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Helictotrichon sempervirens (Blue oat grass)

Helictotrichon sempervirens Photo/Illustration: Michelle Gervais

(Based on 1 user review)

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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Helictotrichon sempervirens hel-ik-toe-TRY-kon sem-per-VEER-enz Common Name: Blue oat grass Synonyms: Avena candida, Avena sempervirens Genus: Helictotrichon
Dramatic powder blue foliage and spiky architecture are hallmarks of this plant. The leaves resemble rigid, tapering pieces of steel blue linguine collected in a porcupine-like dome.
Noteworthy characteristics: Combines well with purple- or silver-leaved plants.
Care: Grow in well-drained, poor to moderately fertile, alkaline soil. Tolerates gravelly, infertile soils. Remove dead leaves and old flowers in spring. Tolerates drought once established.
Propagation: Sow seed in spring, or divide clumps in spring.
Problems: Rust.
Height 3 ft. to 6 ft.
Spread 1 ft. to 3 ft.
Growth Habit Clumps
Light Full Sun Only
Moisture Dry to Medium
Maintenance Low
Characteristics Showy Foliage
Uses Beds and Borders
Style Rock Garden
Seasonal Interest Summer Interest, Fall Interest
Type Grasses

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