Volga Fescue

Festuca valesiaca

Native to:
Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, China, Czechia-Slovakia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Krym, Nepal, North Caucasus, NW. Balkan Pen., Poland, Romania, Russia, Switzerland, Tadzhikistan, Transcaucasus, Türkiye, Türkiye-in-Europe, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Poaceae
Genus:
Festuca
Species:
Festuca valesiaca
USDA Symbol:
FEVA2

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Graminoid
Height:
60 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
may,jun
Lawn Substitute:
Yes

Garden & Ecology Notes

Deer Resistant:
Yes
Salt Tolerant:
Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
dry, rocky, well-drained soil
pH:
6.0 - 8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
thrives in open, sunny locations

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Germination Time:
14–30 days
Notes:
Seeds germinate readily after cold stratification; sow in fall or stratify for 4-8 weeks.

ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C. If no germination in 3 months, try 4C 1-2 months, then 20C again.

Source: Ontario Rock Garden & Hardy Plant Society