Helictotrichon sempervirens
Common Name(s):
Blue Oat Grass
Synonym:
Flower:
Other
Blooms :
Jun
to:
Jun
Spikelets of bluish-brown flowers arranged in open, one-sided panicles arching at the tip appear on erect stems rising well above the foliage clump in June. Flower spikelets mature to a golden wheat color by fall.
Botanical Description
Fragrant?
NO
Family:
Poaceae
Grass
Foliage:
Other
Features very narrow (3/8" wide), spiky, steel blue leaf blades (to 18") which form a rounded, porcupine-like clump.
Fall Color?
YES
Golden wheat color
Semi-Evergreen
Photo by:
Heading 6
Although foliage is evergreen in warm winter climates, it is more semi-evergreen in harsh winters.
Oregon Native?
NO
West State Native?
NO
Origins:
France and Italy
Site Selection
Minimum USDA Hardiness Zone:
4
Water Needs:
M
Sun Needs:
Full Sun
Deer Resistant?
YES
Firewise?
NO
Height:
2-4'
Spread:
2-3'
Growth Rate:
Slow
Native Habitat:
Native to central and southwest European grasslands
Soil:
Acidic; slightly alkaline; sand; loam; clay. Easily grown in average, dry to medium. Best blue color occurs in dryish soils.
Care Recommendations
Maintenance Level:
Low
Fertilizer:
Requires no fertilizer
Mulch:
Pea gravel, crushed rock, coarse sand
Full sun, good air circulation, sharp drainage. infrequent watering, comb through foliage by hand or rake dead blades in early spring
Long Term:
Winter:
Evergreen in milder climates, the leaves die back in harsher winters; use a rake to remove the old foliage or cut back close to the ground in late winter. It is more semi-evergreen in harsh winters where foliage decline will occur. In these areas, plants can be left intact and trimmed in early spring
Spring:
Groom dead winter foliage, managing light, water, and nutrients
Summer:
Remove withered leaves as they appear.
Fall:
Grasses do not need to be cut down before winter. In fact, they are attractive when left standing and the foliage helps to insulate the crown of the plant.
General Care Comments:
Plant in full sun, needs sharp drainage, low water needs once established, no hard shearing, clean up in late winter by combing out dead blades by hand or with a hand rake
Common Problems
No serious insect or disease problems. Rust may be troublesome in humid climates, though this cultivar reportedly has good resistance. Crown rot may occur in moist, poorly drained soils.
Diseases:
Rust, crown rot
Insects:
Aphids
Environmental Problems:
Exessive heat or shade
Pests:
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