Great Design Plant: Blue Oat Grass for Year-Round Cool Color

Amid spring's brilliance and fall's fire, blue oat grass offers calming, low-maintenance blue-gray foliage year-round.

Plant Profile

• Botanical name: Helictotrichon sempervirens
• Common name: Blue oat grass
• USDA zones: 4–8 (hardy below 0°F)
• Water: Occasional; drought tolerant
• Light: Full sun to light shade
• Mature size: 2 ft tall and wide
• Benefits: Drought tolerant, deer resistant, handles air pollution
• Seasonal interest: Evergreen in temperate climates; summer flowers
• When to plant: Early spring (plant or divide)

Distinguishing Traits

Spiky, spunky, blue—often compared to blue fescue but larger. Clumps command attention from afar; up close, long blue-gray blades radiate softly. Cool-season grass thrives in mild temps, best color in full sun. Summer flowers project a foot above foliage, aging to golden oat in fall. Foliage remains attractive all year.

How to Use It

Delightful massed, in containers, or as an accent. Fine evergreen foliage creates a soothing foundation for companion flowers.

Planting Notes

Well-draining soil, deep infrequent watering. Best color in full sun; shade causes flopping. Evergreen in mild climates, semi-evergreen in harsh ones. Spring and fall: comb out dead growth with hands or metal rake. In harsh climates, late-winter/spring trim maintains appearance.

Do you use blue oat grass in your landscape? Share photos in the comments.