Create Your Garden

Festuca mairei (Atlas Fescue)

Atlas Fescue, Moroccan Fescue

Festuca Mairei, Atlas Fescue, Evergreen Grass, Meadow Grass,

A giant in the world of the Fescues, Festuca mairei (Atlas Fescue) is a long-lived evergreen clumping grass which forms fountain-like mounds up to 24-36 in. tall and wide (60-90 cm) with a rich khaki green foliage. Native to the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, hence its common name, this handsome ornamental grass is mainly grown for its tidy foliage, which brings interest to the landscape all year round in warm winter areas. Its tiny flowers are inconspicuous.

  • Aside from its foliage interest, it is drought-tolerant once established (although regular waterings would be appreciated), virtually trouble-free, and requires low maintenance. This plant doesn’t need to be cut back.
  • It thrives in full sun or part shade in well-drained soils with occasional watering. This plant is not fussy about soil and is heat-tolerant.
  • Hardy, this cool-season grass keeps its foliage in warm winter climates.
  • This is a great candidate for beds, borders, rock gardens, edging, meadows, slopes or as a groundcover. It is considered one of the best groundcovers for large areas.
  • Remove damaged foliage for a neat planting.
  • Drought-Tolerant Grasses That Turn Dry Gardens Into Drama

Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 9
Climate Zones 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Ornamental Grasses
Plant Family Poaceae
Genus Festuca
Common names Fescue
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spread 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spacing 24" - 36" (60cm - 90cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Drought, Deer
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Edging, Ground Covers, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Festuca (Fescue)
Guides with
Festuca (Fescue)
Not sure which Festuca (Fescue) to pick?
Compare Now

Alternative Plants to Consider

Festuca californica (California Fescue)
Festuca ovina (Sheep Fescue)
Festuca rubra (Red Fescue)
Festuca idahoensis (Idaho Fescue)
Festuca glauca Beyond Blue (Blue Fescue)
Festuca glauca ‘Blaufuchs’ (Blue Fescue)

Recommended Companion Plants

Origanum ‘Rosenkuppel’ (Ornamental Oregano)
Geranium ‘Patricia’ (Cranesbill)
Sedum ‘Matrona’ (Stonecrop)
Salvia nemorosa ‘Amethyst’ (Woodland Sage)
Phlomis russeliana (Jerusalem Sage)
Echinacea pallida (Pale Purple Coneflower)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

Mediterranean Gardens: Low-Water Design, Plants & Ideas
Native Plant Alternatives to Festuca rubra (Red Fescue)
Great Ornamental Grasses for your Winter Garden
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Buy Plants

Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 9
Climate Zones 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Ornamental Grasses
Plant Family Poaceae
Genus Festuca
Common names Fescue
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spread 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spacing 24" - 36" (60cm - 90cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Drought, Deer
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Edging, Ground Covers, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Festuca (Fescue)
Guides with
Festuca (Fescue)
Not sure which Festuca (Fescue) to pick?
Compare Now

Gardening Ideas

Plant Calculator

How many Festuca mairei (Atlas Fescue) do I need for my garden?

Input your garden space dimensions

Your Shopping List

Plant Quantity
Festuca mairei (Atlas Fescue) N/A Buy Plants

Please Login to Proceed

You Have Reached The Free Limit, Please Subscribe to Proceed

Subscribe to Gardenia

To create additional collections, you must be a paid member of Gardenia
  • Add as many plants as you wish
  • Create and save up to 25 garden collections
Become a Member

Plant Added Successfully

Your garden is taking shape. Unlock full planning.

You’ve reached the free limit. Upgrade for $25/year to add as many plants as you wish and save up to 25 garden collections. Unlock Annual Membership

Update Your Credit
Card Information

Cancel

Create a New Collection

Sign Up to Our Newsletter

    You have been subscribed successfully

    Join Gardenia.net

    Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.

    Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.

    Join now and start creating your dream garden!

    Join Gardenia.net

    Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.

    Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.

    Join now and start creating your dream garden!

    Find your Hardiness Zone

    Find your Heat Zone

    Find your Climate Zone