Helictotrichon sempervirens aka Blue Oat Grass

Taxonomy

Helictotrichon sempervirens, also known as the blue oat grass, is a species of flowering plant in the Poaceae family. Native to central and southwest European grasslands, this bunchgrass is often used for ornamental purposes in garden design and landscaping. The foliage of H. sempervirens is a pale green color tinged with blue, growing in an arching shape that can reach up to 140 cm tall and 60 cm wide. From May to August, the grass produces pale blue-green flowers. Despite being an evergreen perennial, it may experience semi-dormancy during periods of summer drought stress. Its Latin name, sempervirens, translates to "evergreen" in botany. This plant has been recognized with the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. With rigid blue-grey leaves up to 23 cm in length, H. sempervirens forms dense tufts and bears small straw-colored spikelets in large open panicles on erect stems, which can grow up to 1.4 m in height. This cool-season ornamental grass thrives in dry to medium, well-drained soil.

Common names

Blue Oat Grass

How to care for Blue Oat Grass

Difficulty

Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Blue Oat Grass due to its easy-going nature.

Water

Blue Oat Grass does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

Soil

Blue Oat Grass loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Blue Oat Grass thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Blue Oat Grass.

Toxicity

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.

Fertilizer

The growth rate of Blue Oat Grass is slow and it doesn't necessitate additional fertilizing. By changing the soil in its pot annually, the plant should be provided with adequate nutrition. It is crucial to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizers.

Growth-pattern

The Blue Oat Grass is a clump-forming species, with new growth originating from the soil surrounding the main plant.


More info:
Wikipedia