Product Description
Helictotrichon sempervirens 'Sapphire'
Common name: Grass-Ornamental, Blue Oat Grass. Blue Avena Grass;
a/k/a 'Saphirsprudel' and 'Sapphire Fountain'.
Zones 3 to 8.
Full sun.
Plants reach 18 to 24 inches tall and 18 to 24 inches wide;
Clump forming, semi-evergreen habit.
Growth rate: Moderate, easy to grow, cool season ornamental grass. Blue Oat's wiry, vivid blue-gray leaves radiates out from the center like a miniature water fountain. Densely packed leaves gently spread upward and arch back downward at the tips. Bright, steel blue leaves tend to widen as they mature. Foremost variations from the species - 'Sapphire' has slightly wider leaf blades, better blue color, better disease resistance (especially to rust) and better tolerance for heat and humidity. In mild climates, 'Sapphire' is evergreen; it is semi-evergreen in colder zones.
In early summer, small, tan seed heads appear on tall stems held well above the foliage. Blue Oat adds a small, coarse element to rock gardens, coastal gardens, or dry hillsides. It is also great in containers.
Helictotrichon sempervirensgrows easily in average, dry to medium, well-drained soil. 'Drier conditions will result in the best blue color. Use a stiff rake to remove old foliage. Northern zone plants may benefit by being cut back close to the ground in late winter.
Excellent as a border plant, container, dried flower or seed heads, drought tolerant, edging, ground cover, mass plantings, salt tolerant and specimen or focal point.
Not available for shipment to CA
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!
