Helictotrichon sempervirens - Blue Oat Grass

🌿 Characteristics

Type: Ornamental perennial grass
Common name: Blue Oat Grass
Scientific name: Helictotrichon sempervirens
Foliage color: Silvery blue-gray, fine and linear, evergreen
Flower color: Golden to pale beige spikes
Mature height: 0.60–0.90 m (2–3 ft)
Mature width: 0.45–0.60 m (1.5–2 ft)
Habit: Upright, forming a dense, architectural clump
Flowering period: June to August
Exposure: Full sun
Watering needs: Low, very drought tolerant once established
Soil type: Well-drained, light, poor to moderately fertile
Hardiness zone: Zones 4 to 9
Drought tolerance: Excellent, very resistant
Nectar-rich plant: No
Attracts pollinators: Moderately
Toxicity to animals: Non-toxic

✂️ Maintenance

Plant in full sun in light, well-drained soil. Water regularly after planting to encourage rooting, then gradually reduce watering. Prune dry stems in early spring before new growth to maintain a neat silhouette and encourage vigorous regrowth.

Extremely hardy and evergreen, Blue Oat Grass requires no winter protection. Its blue-gray foliage brings remarkable texture and color to dry gardens, rockeries, and contemporary beds, while its golden spikes add movement and lightness to the landscape.