Ornamental Blue Oat Grass
Helictotrichon sempervirens
A stunning ornamental grass that forms perfect blue-gray clumps with graceful arching foliage. This drought-tolerant perennial produces delicate oat-like seed heads that dance in the breeze, making it a favorite for modern landscape design and xeriscaping.
Harvest
N/Ad
Days to harvest
Sun
Full sun to partial shade
Zones
4–8
USDA hardiness
Height
2-3 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Ornamental Blue Oat Grass in USDA Zone 7
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Ornamental Blue Oat Grass · Zones 4–8
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
Complete Growing Guide
Light: Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day), Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours). Drainage: Good Drainage, Occasionally Dry. Height: 2 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 2 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 6 in.. Spacing: 12 inches-3 feet. Growth rate: Slow. Propagation: Division. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
Color: Brown/Copper.
Bloom time: Summer
History & Origin
Origin: Southwestern Alps in France, Italy
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Black Walnut, Deer, Drought, Dry Soil, Pollution
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Purple Coneflower
Complementary colors and textures, both drought tolerant with similar water needs
Black-eyed Susan
Creates attractive color contrast, shares preference for full sun and well-draining soil
Russian Sage
Similar drought tolerance and Mediterranean growing conditions, provides aromatic pest deterrent
Sedum
Compatible water requirements, adds textural interest and attracts beneficial pollinators
Catmint
Repels rodents and deer that might damage ornamental grasses, shares sun and drainage needs
Lavender
Aromatic oils deter pests, both plants thrive in lean, well-draining soils
Ornamental Alliums
Natural pest deterrent properties, complementary spherical form contrasts with grass texture
Coral Bells
Provides ground-level foliage contrast, tolerates similar growing conditions
Keep Apart
Hosta
Requires consistently moist soil and shade, opposite of blue oat grass's dry, sunny preferences
Impatiens
Needs frequent watering and partial shade, creates unfavorable wet conditions for ornamental grass
Astilbe
Requires moist, rich soil and partial shade, incompatible with drought-tolerant grass needs
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Excellent disease resistance, very hardy
Common Pests
Few pest issues, occasionally aphids
Diseases
Crown rot in poorly drained soils