Helictotrichon sempervirens
blue oat grass
A dense, tufted evergreen grass with rather rigid blue-grey leaves to 23cm in length. Small, straw-coloured spikelets are borne in large open panicles on erect stems to 1.4m in height
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Blue Grey Silver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Brown | Blue Grey Silver | ||
| Autumn | Blue Grey Silver | |||
| Winter | Blue Grey Silver |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Poaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Tufted
- Genus
Helictotrichon can be deciduous or evergreen grasses, forming compact tussocks of linear leaves, with erect or arching stems bearing panicles of flowering spikelets in summer
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- SW Europe
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in poor to moderately fertile, neutral to alkaline, well-drained soil
Propagation
Propagate by division in mid-spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Architectural
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Remove dead foliage and old flowered stems in spring
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be affected by a rust
Get involved
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