FESTUCA ovina

A very attractive ornamental densely tufted grass with short greyish-green leaves to 30cm. The inflorescence is fairly flat and slightly feathery.

Flowers from May until June in its native environment. Suitable for rock gardens, borders and ground cover.
The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Wind.

Well suited to poor shallow soils from low to high altitudes and will grow in dry or moist soil in full sun or part shade. Prefers a well-drained light sandy or medium loamy soil and is drought tolerant.

Grow notes:

Although seed can be sown most of the year in many parts of Australia seed is generally best sown in spring or autumn in temperate climates, avoid the coldest and hottest months of the year. The optimum germination temperature for germination is around 15-25°C for this species.

1. Sow direct or on seed raising trays.
2. Sow surface and cover seed lightly to hold in place. Keep moist but not wet.
3. Germination should occur in 14-21 days @ 15-25C. Germination can take 8 weeks in winter.

General note: Seeds of many natives are dormant and require specific conditions or pre-treatment for germination.
Do not be too hasty to discard seed that does not germinate, seeds will often lay dormant until the conditions are similar to their natural requirements for germination to occur. Containers put to one side will often surprise long after they were discarded.