Botanical name:

Festuca matthewsii 

Common name(s):

Matthews’s fescue, blue fescue

About:

A notable plant found within the diverse ecosystems of South Island subalpine grasslands, this particular grass species displays an upright habit characterised by its narrow grey-green leaves. It typically reaches a height of approximately 25 to 50 cm. The flowering stems of the plant extend significantly taller than the surrounding foliage, creating a striking visual contrast. F. matthewsii thrives optimally in environments where the soils maintain some level of moisture and do not dry out completely; however, it does possess a certain degree of tolerance for drier conditions when necessary.

Natural habitat: 

Montane to alpine in tussock grassland.

Growing environment:

Frost, Sun, Drought, Wind & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s South Island, east and west of Main Divide from Waiau River, Canterbury, to Fiordland & occasional in Marlborough.

Height: 50cm

Flowering:  

October - December with a violet/purple to yellow coloured flower/s 

Fruiting:

November – March

Uses: 

Bird food / Attractant & Riparian plantings 

How to grow:

Easily grown from fresh seed and rooted pieces. An attractive grass tolerant of most conditions but dislikes humidity.

** Seed germinates without pre treatment. Sow seed direct & keep moist until germination is complete.