Skip to Content
Find My Growing Zone
Enter your zipcode to find your growing zone and shipping rates.
Use my location!

Blue Oat Grass

Helictotrichon sempervirens

Blue Oat Grass - Helictotrichon sempervirens
Blue Oat Grass - Helictotrichon sempervirens
Blue Oat Grass - Helictotrichon sempervirens

Blue Oat Grass

Helictotrichon sempervirens

Find My Shipping Rates

Enter your zipcode to find your shipping rates and growing zone.

Use my location!
Shipping 1 Gallon to is per unit when ordering a full box of 4.0 units.
Edit my zipcode
  • Helictotrichon sempervirens, commonly known as Blue Oat Grass, is a striking ornamental grass valued for its cool blue foliage and clean, upright form. The narrow, steel blue blades create a dense, mounded clump that adds both color and structure to the garden.
  • In late spring to early summer, tall flower stalks rise above the foliage, carrying airy, oat like seed heads that start out with a soft tan tone and gradually fade as the season progresses. These add movement and a light, natural feel to the planting.
  • Blue Oat Grass maintains a tidy, rounded shape and works well as an accent plant, in mass plantings, or as a repeating element in borders. Its cool color pairs especially well with warmer toned plants and drought tolerant designs.
  • This plant performs best in full sun and prefers well drained soil. It is drought tolerant once established and thrives in dry conditions, though it benefits from occasional watering during extended heat. Good drainage is important, as overly wet soil can lead to decline.
  • It typically grows about 2 to 3 feet tall and wide, with flower spikes reaching slightly taller. It is well suited for USDA zones 4 through 8 and is hardy down to well below freezing temperatures. The foliage is evergreen in mild climates and may go partially dormant in colder regions.  We see this occasionally in Zone 10 here in Southern California, but tends to produce browning foliage after a short time. This can be cleaned out, but other more evergreen options may be better, such as Lomandra 'Breeze' of Juncus 'Blue Arrows'.
  • This plant has low toxicity and is generally a safe choice for gardens with pets and children.
  • The flower heads may attract small pollinators and provide seasonal interest.
  • It is generally deer and rabbit resistant, making it a dependable option for low maintenance landscapes.
  • Blue Oat Grass is especially well suited for Mediterranean, xeriscape, and modern landscape designs, where its color and form can be used for contrast and structure.
  • With its cool blue tones, tidy shape, and easy care nature, Helictotrichon sempervirens is a great choice for adding texture and year round interest to the garden.

Water Needs: Low, Low to Moderate, Moderate
Foliage: Semi-deciduous
Mature Width: 2-3'
Form: Grasslike
Mature Height: 2-3'
USDA Zone: 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b

Proper planting technique will help your plants thrive! Follow these simple steps to help your plants establish quickly, develop a strong root system, and live longer:

  • Properly dig the hole
  • Amend the soil to suit each particular plant
  • Place the plant and backfill the soil
  • Provide ample water for each particular plant
  • Review our how to plant guide!

For detailed information, please download our planting guides: