Ornamental grasses can generally be divided into moisture-loving riparian grasses and dry grasses. The latter also includes the bearskin fescue (Festuca gautieri). Its yellow-green panicles make a wonderful planting for a variety of garden concepts in dry and sunny gardens.
The Bear Skin Fescue comes from the fescue genus. In the field of ornamental grasses, an extremely important sweet grass genus, from which popular ornamental grasses such as blue fescue or red fescue also come. The panicles of these ornamental grasses are often used as decorative elements for bouquets or flower arrangements. In the garden, their spikes also lend a natural appearance to many design concepts.
The possible uses of fescue species are extremely versatile, which is not least due to their moderate growth height. Thanks to it, the clumps of fescue can be easily integrated into garden concepts. Species such as the bearskin fescue are incredibly easy to care for and robust. The bearskin fescue here, for example, is hardy to -29 °C. It can therefore easily survive in the garden for several years.
| Bearskin Fescue (Festuca gautieri) | |
|---|---|
| Growth: | cushion-like, turf-like, clumpy |
| Growth: | 10 - 30 cm |
| Special feature: | good ground cover for sunny locations |
| Plant Supplies: | 3 to 5 plants, 30 to 40 cm planting distance |
| Location: | Sun to partial shade |
| Floor: | slightly dry to fresh, well-drained, low in nutrients |
Bear skin fescue in the garden
Festuca gautieri is originally from the Pyrenees and the Mediterranean. Accordingly, the sweet grass is characteristic of barren and Mediterranean natural landscapes. This can be used in the garden for design concepts such as
- Heidegarten
- Mediterranean Garden
- Rock Garden
- Steppe Garden
- and wild garden
Bear skin fescue in flower meadows
The bearskin fescue is also used in wildflower meadows and natural meadows, where it promotes a natural ambience. Thanks to a low growth height of only 10 to 30 cm, the fescue species blends in wonderfully with low-growing flower and grass arrangements. But you have to be careful here with a view to the propagation habits of the sweet grass. After the fruit has ripened, the spikelets contain countless caryopsis, which quickly spread through the garden with the wind. In flower meadows in particular, the proliferating tussocks of the bearskin fescue quickly displace weakly-competing perennials if they are not kept in check.
» Tip: There is a special variety of bearskin fescue called 'Pic Carlit'. With a height of only 10 cm, it grows slightly lower than the parent species and is therefore very well suited for green roofs and low plant arrangements.
| Bearskin Fescue 'Pic Carlit' (Festuca gautieri 'Pic Carlit') | |
|---|---|
| Growth: | compact, hemispherical, clumpy, cushion-like |
| Growth: | 5 - 10 cm |
| Usage: | Rock garden, joint planting, wooded edge, heather garden |
| Planting distance: | 30 to 40 cm |
| Location: | Sun to partial shade |
| Floor: | well drained, low in nutrients, slightly dry to fresh |
Bear skin fescue - location and planting
Bear skin fescue, as mentioned, is native to rather barren and dry regions. Accordingly, the site soil in the garden should be rather permeable and low in humus and nutrients. Because Festuca gautieri also prefers to sprout on rocky slopes or stone layers in its areas of origin, a gritty-loamy or at least sandy-loamy to sandy-clay substrate is recommended. The optimal soil pH value for bearskin fescue is between 6.5 and 7.5 in the neutral to slightly acidic range.
Important: Despite its Mediterranean origin, Festuca gautieri should not be placed in too much sun. The ornamental grass feels better in partially shaded locations. An underplanting of shady but light deciduous trees is therefore quite conceivable.
Bear skin fescue - planting instructions in 3 steps
- 1. Step: is plantedthe bearskin fescue in spring. Late frosts should no longer occur, which is why a planting date in May after the ice saints is recommended. Alternatively, planting in summer or early autumn is possible.
- 2. Step: Loosen the soil well before planting and place a gravel drainage in the planting hole. In general, gravel beds are best suited for cultivation. The substrate should therefore be optimized in advance with sufficient gravel. On the other hand, you can do without basic fertilization in view of the low nutrient requirements of the sweet grass. If necessary, enrich the soil with a little lime.
- 3. Step: The clumps of Festuca gautieri reach growth widths of up to 40 cm. Accordingly, you should measure the planting distance generously. The clumps must be able to grow loosely without bumping into each other. Otherwise they will be bald at the edges and become unsightly. As a rule of thumb, use no more than 6 to 8 plants per square meter.
Water and fertilize bearskin fescue
The bearskin fescue is watered extremely sparingly. You only have to water manually in summer or during long dry periods. It is essential to avoid waterlogging, which is why it is best to test with your fingers before each watering whether the soil is already well dried.
As far as fertilization is concerned, less is more with Festuca gautieri. Too many nutrients quickly cause the clumps of ornamental grass to age from within and the plant dies quickly. Over-fertilization also makes the sweet grass susceptible to damage and frost damage. If the location is optimal, additional fertilizers are not necessary anyway.
Bearskin fescue - cut and propagate
The cuts on the bearskin fescue require a little more attention. For example, regular cuts are necessary to prevent uncontrolled self-seeding and thus proliferating fescue clumps in the garden. To do this, cut off faded stems as soon as possible. A few more cuts are also needed to keep the bearskin fescue as long as possible.
Topiary
Pruning out the flower stalks also encourages a more compact growth. Especially older clumps of Festuca gautieri tend to fall apart. Annual topiary in summer should not be missed.
Pruning
Also in summer the bearskin fescue can be cut back. If you don't want to spoil the ornamental value in summer, you can also cut it in springperform to encourage lush new growth.
Taper Cut
You can also pull out the secateurs from time to time to rejuvenate older plants. Appropriate pruning measures will be carried out in autumn. But make sure that there is no threat of frost in the first few days after the cut. The early fall is therefore best suited for a rejuvenating cut.
As an alternative to the taper cut, you can also taper the bearskin fescue by dividing the clumps. The division is carried out in autumn and can also be used immediately to propagate the plant.
Overwintering bearskin fescue properly
Festuca gautieri is completely hardy and, thanks to its evergreen blades of grass, sets beautiful accents in the garden even in winter. However, winter sun and melt water can be dangerous for the nests. If in doubt, you should untie the grass and cover the root area with garden fleece or brushwood.
Bearskin Fescue - Diseases and Pests
The biggest enemy of the bearskin fescue is waterlogging. It usually causes inevitable root rot and easily kills the ornamental grass. So always water very moderately, if at all. On the other hand, over-fertilization promotes pest infestation on Festuca gautieri. The sweet grass also loses its strong green color when there is an oversupply of nutrients. Therefore, use fertilizer sparingly. If you take the care criteria here seriously, you'll end up with a he althy plant that's relatively resistant to disease and pests.