Product Description
Helictotrichon sempervirens (30)ct Flat
Common name: Grass-Ornamental, Blue Oat Grass.
Blue Oat grass looks like a miniature water fountain, with its densely packed leaves gently spraying upward and arching back downward at the tips. This species displays spiky, blue-gray foliage that will draw your attention all season long.
In early summer, small, tan seed heads appear on tall stems held well above the foliage. In mild climates, this grass is evergreen; it is semi-evergreen in colder zones.
Blue Oat Grass adds a wonderful coarse element to rock gardens, coastal gardens, or dry hillsides.
The best place to plant Helictotrichon is a dry, sunny site. Once established, it will not require supplemental watering unless there is a drought. Trim back the old foliage to 3-4" in spring before the new growth emerges. Division is recommended every 3-4 years in spring to keep the plant looking fresh.
Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit -- 1993
Height: 24.0-30.0 Inches
Spread: 24.0-30.0 Inches
Hardiness Zones: 3,4,5,6,7,8
Flower Color: Tan shades
Foliage Color: Blue shades
Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun)
Low Water Needs
Average to Fertile Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Early Summer
Seasonal Interest: Dried Seed Heads, Fall Color
Evergreen
Growth Rate: Medium
Border Plant, Container, Dried Flower, Drought Tolerant, Attractive Foliage, Mass Planting, Salt Tolerant, Specimen
Helictotrichon sempervirens, commonly known as blue oat grass, is a striking ornamental grass prized for its cool-toned foliage and graceful form. This comprehensive guide will explore the key characteristics and cultivation requirements of this versatile plant, making it a valuable resource for both novice and experienced gardeners.
Blue oat grass is a clump-forming, cool-season ornamental grass that belongs to the Poaceae family. Native to the mountains of southwestern Europe, including France and Italy it is a hardy and adaptable plant that thrives in a variety of climates. The name Helictotrichon comes from the Greek words "helictos" (twisted) and "trichos" (hair), referring to the twisted base of the awns on the flowering spikelets. "Sempervirens" means evergreen, although the plant may be semi-evergreen in colder climates. It is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Appearance and Growth Habit Blue oat grass is characterized by its distinctive blue-gray foliage. The leaves are narrow, spiky, and grow in a dense, fountain-like clump, resembling a rounded porcupine. It is considered the best of the mid-sized blue-leaved grasses. It typically grows 2-3 feet tall, with the flower stems adding another foot to its height. The foliage clump itself reaches about 2 feet in height and has a similar spread. In early to mid-summer, delicate open panicles of small, straw-colored spikelets appear on slender, arching stems, held about 2 feet above the foliage. These flower spikelets mature to a golden wheat color by fall.
Ideal Growing Conditions Blue oat grass thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. While it prefers moist soil, it can tolerate sandy or clay soils as long as they do not become waterlogged, especially during the winter. The best blue color in the foliage appears in dry conditions. While drought tolerant, it is important to note that blue oat grass should not be grown too dry in arid climates.
Uses in Landscaping and Gardening Blue oat grass is a versatile plant with many uses in landscaping and gardening. Its unique color and texture make it an excellent addition to a variety of settings, and it provides year-round interest, especially in mild winter areas where it remains evergreen.
- Specimen plant: Its striking blue foliage makes it a standout specimen plant in borders or rock gardens. Imagine it as a focal point in a small courtyard garden, surrounded by contrasting foliage and flowers.
- Mass planting: When planted in masses, it creates a dramatic and eye-catching ground cover effect. This could be particularly effective on a slope or bank, where the blue foliage would cascade downwards.
- Foundation plant: It can be used as an accent or in combination with dwarf blue spruces or junipers as an effective foundation plant. This creates a cohesive and texturally interesting look for the front of a house or building.
- Container gardening: Its compact size and low maintenance make it suitable for container gardening. Consider planting it in a large terracotta pot on a patio or balcony to add a touch of blue to the space.
- Walkway edging: It can be planted along walkways to add texture and color. This softens the hardscaping and creates a more inviting pathway.
- Mixed borders: It combines well with other perennials and grasses in mixed borders, particularly as a contrast to green-leaved plants. For example, it could be planted alongside pink-flowering perennials or those with deep maroon leaves for a striking color combination.
Companion Plants Blue oat grass pairs well with a variety of companion plants, including:
- Russian sage (Perovskia)
- Salvia x sylvestris 'Mainacht' ('May Night')
- Blanketflower (Gaillardia)
- Sedum 'Autumn Joy'
- Upright ornamental grasses
- Blue spruce
- Blue junipers
- Blue-flowering perennials such as Campanula, lavender (Lavendula), or blue mist spirea (Caryopteris)
- Plants with deep maroon leaves
Propagation Blue oat grass can be propagated through division in the spring or by growing from seed. To propagate by division, dig up the plant in early spring and carefully separate the clump into smaller sections, ensuring each section has roots. Replant the divisions in well-prepared soil. When growing from seed, sow fresh seed in late summer and keep it in a cold frame over the winter. The seeds should germinate in the spring.
Care and Maintenance Blue oat grass is a low-maintenance plant. Here are some basic care tips:
- Watering: Water regularly, especially during the first growing season, but allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Once established, it is drought tolerant.
- Fertilizing: It generally does not require heavy fertilization.
- Pruning: In late winter or early spring, cut back the old foliage to about 3-4 inches to make way for new growth. Remove withered leaves as they appear throughout the growing season.
- Dividing: Divide clumps every 3-4 years in spring to maintain vigor and prevent overcrowding.
- Vernalization: Providing 8-10 weeks of temperatures below 40°F can improve flower performance.
Potential Problems While generally pest and disease-free, blue oat grass can be susceptible to rust in humid climates and crown rot in poorly drained soils.
Cultivars There are a few notable cultivars of blue oat grass:
- 'Saphirsprudel' (also known as 'Sapphire' or 'Sapphire Fountain'): This cultivar has finer blades that are slightly smaller and bluer than the species. It is semi-evergreen and reportedly resistant to rust. This cultivar is sold under its original German name 'Saphirsprudel' as well as under various translated cultivar names such as 'Sapphire' and 'Sapphire Fountain', all of which are synonymous.
Helictotrichon sempervirens, with its captivating blue foliage, graceful form, and low-maintenance nature, is an excellent choice for adding texture, color, and year-round interest to gardens. Whether used as a specimen plant, in mass plantings, or combined with other perennials, this versatile ornamental grass is sure to enhance any landscape. Its adaptability to various soil types and its drought tolerance make it a valuable addition to a wide range of garden styles, from low-water landscapes to pollinator-friendly havens. Its unique color and texture provide a striking contrast to other plants, making it a truly versatile and captivating choice for any gardener.
Thirty (30) plants per flat (or tray). Approximate Plug Measurements: 4.25 inches deep x 2 inches wide.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
