Ornamental grass
Blue Oat Grass
Helictotrichon sempervirens
A steely-blue evergreen porcupine. The best cool-toned accent in the dry palette.
- Evergreen
- Deer-resistant
Quick facts
- Hardiness
- USDA zones 4–8
- Water
- Low once established
- Sun
- Full sun
- Size
- 18–30 in. tall × 18–24 in. wide
- Bloom & interest
- Steel-blue evergreen foliage; tan oat-like flower stalks in early summer
- Plant type
- Ornamental grass
- Native range
- Not native to the US (non-invasive garden plant)
Why we recommend it
A tidy evergreen fountain of steel-blue blades that holds structure year-round and shows remarkable drought tolerance in dry Western gardens.
Best regions: Front RangeGreat BasinHigh Desert
How to grow it
Watering to establish
Water weekly the first season, then every 2–3 weeks in summer heat.
Pruning
Do not shear to the ground; comb out dead blades with gloved fingers in spring and remove old flower stalks.
Soil
Well-drained, lean soil. Poor drainage and humid heat cause crown rot.
Pairs well with
Read more
Where to buy
Shop Blue Oat Grass from trusted growers. For the best selection of xeric plants, try a mail-order specialist or ask a local independent nursery.
- High Country Gardens (opens in a new tab)Xeric specialist
- Nature Hills Nursery (opens in a new tab)Wide selection
- American Meadows (opens in a new tab)Perennials & seeds
- Etsy (opens in a new tab)Small growers
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