Blue Oat Grass

Blue Oat Grass, also known as Helictotrichon sempervirens, is an attractive perennial grass known for its unique, blue-gray foliage. This no-fuss, highly ornamental grass does not need a lot of maintenance but it adds plenty of color, texture, and shape to the garden. Due to its architectural characteristics, it is often planted en masse, in waterwise modern gardens, as a colorful blue-gray accent, and on slopes for erosion control. 

Blue Oat Grass is cold hardy in zones 4-8 and is considered an evergreen in milder climates. It provides attractive structure in the garden when a light dusting of snow sits on top of the blue foliage. Blue Oat Grass has a low, domed habit and reaches heights of 2-3 ft with a 1-2 ft spread. This useful and attractive perennial grass is drought and salt tolerant, deer resistant, and very low maintenance–an ideal choice for water-wise gardens.

Blue Oat Grass Care

Plant Blue Oat Grass in an area that receives 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. It must be planted in well-draining soils; this grass can tolerate lean, low-fertility soils, and in fact, the blue foliage often becomes more vibrant in drier soils. 

Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base of Blue Oat Grass, particularly in colder climates to help insulate the roots and protect them from cold damage. In early spring, keep Blue Oat Grass looking fresh by cutting back the plant to 4” above the soil to encourage new growth.  

Blue Oat Grass Spacing

Blue Oat Grass has an upright, clump-forming growth habit, reaching 2 feet wide at maturity. Space grasses 18-24 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation and balanced growth.

Blue Oat Grass Information