Helictotrichon sempervirens

Helictotrichon sempervirens, commonly called blue oat grass, is a clump-forming, cool season, ornamental grass which typically grows 2-3' tall (foliage clump to 2' and flower stem brings the total height to 3') with a similar spread. Features very narrow (3/8" wide), spiky, steel blue leaf blades (to 18") which form a rounded, porcupine-like clump. Resembles blue fescue (Festuca glauca), but is significantly larger. 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.

• Delicate open panicles of small, straw-colored spikelets appear in early-mid summer, held about 2ft. (60 cm) above the foliage on slender, arching stems.
• Easily growing in a dense 2-3 feet tall (60-90 cm) fountain-like clump, this western Mediterranean native thrives in full sun (tolerates light shade) in dry soils and requires relatively good drainage.
• Salt, drought tolerant, and deer or rabbit resistant, this cool season grass provides all year-around interest thanks to its evergreen foliage in mild winter areas. 
• Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society (1993) 
• Superb as a specimen plant, for beds or borders, rock gardens, and can be massed for ground cover effect.

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Requirement
Hardiness	4,5,6,7,8,9
Heat Zones	1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9
Climate Zones	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type	Ornamental Grasses
Plant Family	Poaceae
Exposure	Full Sun
Season of Interest	Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter, Early Spring, Mid Spring, Late Spring, Early Summer, Mid Summer, Late Summer
Height	2' - 3'
Spread	1' - 2'
Water Needs	Low
Maintenance	Low
Soil Type	Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Characteristics	Deer Tolerant, Drought Tolerant, Rabbit Tolerant
Garden Styles	City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden
Planting Place	Beds and Borders, Ground Covers