Helictotrichon sempervirens Play pronunciation

Blue oat grass is a dense, clumping, cool-season ornamental grass with narrow, arching, silvery-blue foliage native to Southeastern France and Italy. This grass grows 2 to 3 feet tall and 1 to 2.5  feet wide, with a bristly, mounding habit. In mid to late summer, it features spikes of bluish-brown flowers on terminal panicles that extend above the foliage. By the fall, the flowers ripen to a golden shade. This plant is a member of the grass family (Poaceae). The genus name Helictotrichon is derived from two Greek words: helictos, meaning twisted, and trichos, meaning hair. This refers to the twisted awns or bristle-like appendages found on the bracts of the leaf blades. The specific epithet, sempervirens, means evergreen.

Prefers full sun and medium to dry, well-drained loamy, sandy soils with a neutral or alkaline pH. Drier soils tend to produce the best bluish foliage color. It will tolerate clay soils, but be sure that the soil is not wet throughout the winter months. It is winter hardy in zones 4 to 8. During the winter in mild climates, this grass is evergreen; however, in colder climates, it declines and is more of a semi-evergreen grass. It is drought-tolerant and deer- and rabbit-resistant, but it is sensitive to high heat and humidity. The leaves tend to flop in overly shaded conditions. Remove any dead foliage and spent flower stems in the spring. Propagated by division in the spring or grown from seed.

Blue oat grass is colorful, easy to maintain, and is often used as an accent or specimen in the landscape. This grass may be planted in mass as a groundcover or as a border in a rock garden or cottage garden. It would also be attractive along a walkway or path.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Has no serious insect or disease problems. Wet or poorly drained soils can cause crown rot. Requires good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases. Rust can occur in wet, humid climates.