Trimming Blue Fescue

Credit: iStockphoto

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Q: We live in Nanaimo, B.C. and have some Blue Fescue (“Elijah Blue” ) ornamental grass in my garden – my wife calls it “Cousin It”! It is beautiful but I noticed that it tends to go mostly brown in colour as the Summer season goes on. I get the feeling that it might benefit from a mid-season trim to give me more new, blue leaves but cannot find any good information about when and how much this particular grass can/should be trimmed. When and how do I trim this particular ornamental grass to ensure maximum blue colour throuhgout the growing season?

Divide blue fescue frequently, probably about every two to three seasons. Ensure the plant is growing in a very sunny location with sharp drainage. Some browned foliage could be combed out early in the season. Use a high nitrogen fertilizer as directed and water in well.