Blue Oat Grass

Blue Oat Grass

1 Gallon
$16.90
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Blue Oat Grass
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Blue Oat Grass

Helictotrichon sempervirens

A classic evergreen grass with striking metallic silver-blue foliage and a tidy fountain form, perfect for borders and containers.

$16.90
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Description

Helictotrichon sempervirens, commonly known as Blue Oat Grass, is a classic, evergreen ornamental grass prized for its striking, metallic blue-gray foliage and tidy, fountain-like form. This cool-season, clump-forming perennial grows in a dense, perfectly rounded mound of narrow, spiky, upright to slightly arching leaves that maintain their intense silver-blue color throughout the growing season. In late spring to early summer, it produces tall, slender, elegant oat-like flower spikes rising above the foliage, opening greenish-blue and maturing to soft golden-buff, adding airy height and movement. Exceptionally drought-tolerant once established, cold hardy, and adaptable to a range of well-drained soils, it is an outstanding choice for borders, rock gardens, mass plantings, containers, and as a striking accent in water-wise and Mediterranean landscapes.

Quick Facts

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  • Light: Full sun (essential for best blue color)

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  • Foliage & Flowers: Dense, tidy, rounded fountain mound of narrow, spiky, upright to slightly arching, intensely silver-blue to blue-gray leaves; tall, slender, elegant oat-like flower spikes in late spring to early summer (greenish-blue aging to golden-buff) .
  • Mature Height: 24-36 inches (2-3 ft)
  • Mature Spread: 24-36 inches (2-3 ft)
  • Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
  • Hardiness Zones: USDA 4-9
  • Core Benefits: Striking metallic silver-blue foliage, tidy compact fountain form, elegant oat-like flower spikes, drought tolerant, cold hardy, evergreen.
  • Best Uses: Borders, rock gardens, mass plantings, containers, xeriscape gardens, Mediterranean gardens, coastal gardens, accent specimens.

Faqs

Q: How large does Blue Oat Grass get?
A: It forms a dense, tidy fountain mound, typically reaching 2-3 feet in both height and spread.

Q: How much sun does it need for the best blue color?
A: For the most intense silver-blue foliage, plant in full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily). In partial shade, the foliage will fade to a duller green-blue.

Q: Is it drought tolerant?
A: Yes, once established, it is drought tolerant. Water regularly during its first year, then little to no supplemental water is needed. It thrives in well-drained soils.

Q: Is it evergreen?
A: Yes, it is evergreen in mild winter climates, retaining its striking blue-gray foliage year-round. In colder zones, it may be semi-evergreen.

Q: When does it bloom?
A: It blooms in late spring to early summer, producing tall, elegant oat-like flower spikes that rise above the foliage.

Q: How should I prune it?
A: In late winter or early spring, rake through the clump to remove dead or winter-damaged foliage. Avoid cutting back hard, as this can damage the plant. If needed, divide clumps in early spring every 3-4 years.

📍 Primary Delivery Area · San Francisco Bay Area

Local delivery across the Bay Area — and beyond.

San Francisco Bay Area is our primary local delivery market. Victory Nursery also serves additional California markets and selected extended delivery areas by arrangement.

Regular local delivery: San Francisco, Peninsula, South Bay, East Bay, Marin, Tracy / Mountain House and surrounding service areas.

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Gallon describes the container size, not a guaranteed plant height. Individual plants vary. Contact our nursery for current measurements.

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