Bear's Skin Fescue

A distinctive evergreen grass that forms dense, prickly, emerald-green hummocks that look remarkably like green urchins or bears' fur. Unlike many other fescues, it retains its vibrant green colour throughout the year. It eventually spreads to form a slow-growing, moss-like carpet, making it an excellent choice for ground cover in well-drained spots or as a textural element in rock gardens. In early summer, it produces inconspicuous, narrow flower panicles on short stems. It is a very hardy plant (H7) and is well-suited to the UK climate, provided it isn't sitting in water. It prefers poor to moderately fertile, well-drained soil. If the centres of the clumps begin to die out after several years, the plant can be lifted and divided in spring. It's a low-maintenance, tactile plant that adds year-round interest and structure to the garden. Avoid planting in damp shade where it may rot.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Well-drained sand or loam.

Hardiness: H7 — below −20°C.

Flowering: Jun, Jul.