Blue oat grass (Helictotrichon sempervirens) hel-ik-toe-TRY-kon sem-per-VEER-enz Synonyms:  Avena candida Genus:  Helictotrichon Dramatic powder blue foliage and spiky architecture are hallmarks of this plant. The leaves resemble rigid, tapering pieces of steel blue linguine collected in a porcupine-like dome. Noteworthy Characteristics:  Combines well with purple- or silver-leaved plants. Care:  Grow in well-drained, poor to moderately fertile, alkaline soil. Tolerates gravelly, infertile soils. Remove dead leaves and old flowers in spring. Tolerates drought once established. Propagation:  Sow seed in spring, or divide clumps in spring. Problems:  Rust.

Overview

Height 3 ft. to 6 ft. Spread 1 ft. to 3 ft. Growth Habit Clumps Light Full Sun Only Moisture Dry to Medium Maintenance Low Characteristics Showy Foliage Uses Beds and Borders Style Rock Garden Seasonal Interest Summer Interest Type Grasses