Blue Oat Grass
Blue Oat Grass
Helictotrichon sempervirens
Item #3997 USDA Hardiness Zone: 4 - 9
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Add to FavoritesPlant Description
Graceful fountains of silver-blue blades form neat ornamental clumps that combine well with other grasses. Airy, beige to light brown, terminal panicles appear mid- to late summer. A reliable and attractive accent or specimen, perfect for rock gardens. May remain evergreen in mild winter regions.
- OverviewLight Needs:Full sunWatering Needs:Water regularly, allowing soil to dry slightly between intervals.Average Landscape Size:
Moderate growing; reaches 2 to 3 ft. tall and wide.Key Feature:Dramatic Foliage and PlumesBlooms:
SummerLandscape Uses:
- DetailBotanical Pronunciation:hel-ik-toh-TREE-kon sem-per-VI-renzPlant type:Ornamental GrassDeciduous/evergreen:Semi-evergreenSunset climate zones:2 - 24, 30 - 41Growth habit:RoundedGrowth rate:ModerateAverage landscape size:Moderate growing; reaches 2 to 3 ft. tall and wide.Special features:Dramatic Foliage Color, Easy Care, Improved Pest and Disease Resistance, WaterwiseFoliage color:Blue-greenBlooms:SummerFlower color:BrownGarden styleContemporary, Mediterranean, RusticDesign IdeasBlue Oat Grass is at home in desert gardens as well as in the traditional perennial border. Plant beside landscape boulders, in rock gardens or at the edges of natural pools. Particularly beautiful planted in masses and paired with blue-gray Mediterranean plants.Companion PlantsBarberry (Berberis); Weigela (Weigela); Sedum (Sedum); Yucca (Yucca); Lavender (Lavandula); Ajuga (Ajuga)
- CareCare InformationGrows easily in average, well-drained soils. Water deeply, regularly during the first growing season to establish an extensive root system. Once established, water regularly, but allow to dry out slightly between intervals for best foliage color. Drought tolerant in cool climates. Prune away old, faded foliage before new growth emerges in spring.Pruning time: late winter.Light Needs:Full sunWatering Needs:Water regularly, allowing soil to dry slightly between intervals.
- History & LoreHistory:Native to Central and Southwestern Europe, the name Helictotrichon comes from the Greek words "helix" meaning spiral and "trichos" meaning hair.
There are very few rules in gardening, but perhaps the most important one is to work within your zone. Choosing plants that grow and thrive in your particular climate is the very first step toward having a beautiful garden.
