Blue oat grass Helictotrichon sempervirens 5-10 pot P9

Size: Potmaat leidend

5-10cm

|

Pot 9x9 cm (P9)

|

Temporarily sold out

Bulk discount!

Pcs Save Price/pc

2+ £3.95

6+ -2.5% £3.85

12+ -5.1% £3.75

24+ -7.6% £3.65

96+ -10.1% £3.55

Benefits according to our specialist

Plantable year-round
Low maintenance
Evergreen

Plant features
Description
Frequently Asked Questions
Planting and care
Packaging and shipping

Genus
Helictotrichon (view all varieties)

Root type
Pot

Pot size
9x9 cm (P9)

Flowering months
June, July, August

Leaf colour
Yellow

Possibilities
Border, Group planting

Soil type
All soil types, well-drained

Positioning
Semi-shade, Sun

Winter hardiness
-15,0°C / -9,4°C, USDA zone 7b/8a

Fruit-bearing plants
No

Water needs
Average water

Number of plants per m²
6

Evergreen plants
Yes

Leaf colour
Blue, Grey

Fragrant plants
No

Growth habit
Clump-forming growth habit

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
5-10

Mature height (cm)
80

Art. no.
1000570

Description

Helictotrichon sempervirens | Blue oat grass

The Helictotrichon sempervirens, commonly known as blue oat grass, is a perennial ornamental grass that brings an alluring blue-grey hue to any garden. Native to the grasslands of Southwestern Europe, this evergreen species is celebrated for its hardy nature and striking, clump-forming growth habit.

Admired for its mounded, fountain-like appearance, blue oat grass is an excellent choice for adding texture to borders and group plantings.

Key Features

The blue oat grass is a distinctive plant with several notable features:

Blue oat grass exhibits a stunning spectrum of blue, grey, and silver in its foliage throughout the year.
As a robust evergreen, Helictotrichon maintains its visual appeal across all seasons, providing consistent color even in the winter months.
The plant's growth manner is clump-forming, naturally creating a tidy and compact shape that can reach an ultimate height of about 80 cm.
During the summer, its foliage is complemented by striking brown flower spikes, adding height and contrast to its mounded form.
This species thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil of any type.
Blue oat grass has an average water need, making it suitable for a variety of garden settings.

Tips

To propagate blue oat grass, divide the clumps every few years in spring or autumn. This rejuvenates the plant and ensures vigorous growth.
For optimal health and appearance, water the grass regularly, especially during dry spells, as it is not drought-resistant.
Plant Helictotrichon sempervirens in a location that receives ample sunlight to enhance the vibrancy of its blue-grey foliage.
While generally low-maintenance, removing dead foliage in early spring can encourage fresh, new growth and keep your blue oat grass looking its best.

Ideal placement of a Helictotrichon sempervirens

For optimal growth, Helictotrichon sempervirens thrives best when positioned in full sun to partial shade. Its preference for sunlight ensures the striking blue, grey, and silver hues of its foliage are vividly displayed throughout all seasons. The ideal environment would provide exposure to the sun's rays for the majority of the day, enhancing the plant's ornamental value. While adaptable to a range of soil conditions, the plant's root system requires well-drained soil to prevent waterlogging and promote healthy development. Proper site selection will ensure that this evergreen grass remains a vibrant and hardy presence in the landscape.

How do I plant a Helictotrichon sempervirens?

For best results, Helictotrichon sempervirens should be planted in well-drained soil, ensuring the area receives full sun to partial shade to maintain the striking blue-grey foliage color throughout all seasons. When planting, maintain a suitable distance between each clump to allow for ample growth and air circulation, which is essential for this species' health. The plant thrives with average water needs, so regular watering should be established until the grass is well-established, particularly in periods of dry weather. Division is recommended in spring or autumn to promote vigor and manage the size of the clumps.

Pruning a Helictotrichon sempervirens

Pruning of Helictotrichon sempervirens should be carried out with care to maintain its natural, fountain-like shape. In late winter or early spring, before new growth starts, remove any dead or damaged foliage. Trim out the spent flower stalks to keep the clump looking tidy and to encourage fresh growth. Use clean, sharp shears to cut close to the base of the plant, ensuring minimal disturbance to the healthy, blue-grey blades that give this ornamental grass its distinctive appeal.

Watering a Helictotrichon sempervirens

Helictotrichon sempervirens thrives with an average watering schedule, ensuring the soil remains well-drained yet consistently moist. In the growing season, during warmer months, it is crucial to monitor soil moisture levels and water accordingly, particularly if there are signs of dryness. While this species can adapt to various soil types, it is not drought-resistant, and lack of sufficient water could impede its striking blue-grey foliage from maintaining its vigor. To preserve its evergreen beauty, regular watering, paired with its preferred sunny to partial shade location, will sustain its health and ornamental appeal throughout the year.

Fertilising a Helictotrichon sempervirens

To foster robust growth and sustain the striking blue-grey foliage of Helictotrichon sempervirens, a balanced fertilization regimen is essential. This species thrives with a light application of a general-purpose fertilizer early in the spring to kickstart the growing season. A second application can be beneficial during the peak of summer to ensure continued vitality.

Care should be taken to apply fertilizer around the base of the plant, avoiding direct contact with the foliage to prevent any potential damage. Given its average water needs, ensure that the soil is moist when adding fertilizer to assist in its absorption. Optimal nutrient availability will not only enhance the ornamental appeal of this evergreen but also support its clump-forming growth habit throughout the seasons.

The characteristics of a Helictotrichon sempervirens

Helictotrichon sempervirens, with its elegant, steel-blue foliage, adds a stunning contrast to any garden palette. Its tolerance for dry conditions makes it an excellent choice for xeriscaping. This species thrives in well-drained soil and benefits from occasional combing to remove dead leaves and maintain its neat appearance. As a cool-season grass, it provides year-round interest, with its foliage color deepening in colder weather and delicate, wheat-like flowers emerging in summer.

Separating/dividing a Helictotrichon sempervirens

To maintain the health and vigor of Helictotrichon sempervirens, division every few years is recommended. This practice stimulates new growth and preserves the robust nature of the evergreen foliage. The plant should be removed from the ground, and with care, divided into smaller sections, ensuring each has a portion of roots. Replant these divisions immediately to establish new, thriving clumps. The optimal times for this procedure are during the cooler temperatures of spring or autumn, which allow the divisions to root well without the stress of extreme heat or cold.

What will be the height of Helictotrichon sempervirens?

Helictotrichon sempervirens typically grows to a height of 1 to 1.5 meters at maturity.

What will be the width of Helictotrichon sempervirens?

Helictotrichon sempervirens can reach a width of 50 centimeters to 1 meter at its mature stage.

Which soil type is most suitable for the Helictotrichon sempervirens?

Helictotrichon sempervirens is adaptable to various soil types, but it thrives best in well-drained soil. Ensuring proper drainage allows for the optimal growth and health of this plant.

What is the ideal positioning for the Helictotrichon sempervirens?

The optimal location for Helictotrichon sempervirens would be an area that receives ample sunlight but also offers the option for partial shade. This plant thrives in a setting where it can experience both direct sunlight and some shade throughout the day.

What is the flowering colour of the Helictotrichon sempervirens?

The flowering colour of Helictotrichon sempervirens is yellow, adding a vibrant and cheerful touch to this elegant plant.

Is the Helictotrichon sempervirens hardy?

Yes, Helictotrichon sempervirens is considered winter hardy. It can tolerate temperatures ranging from approximately -15.0°C to -9.4°C, placing it within the USDA hardiness zones 7b/8a. This indicates that Helictotrichon sempervirens is well-suited to endure the winter months in various climates, provided that the temperatures remain within its specified range.

Is the Helictotrichon sempervirens evergreen?

Helictotrichon sempervirens is indeed an evergreen plant. This means that it maintains its foliage throughout the year, providing consistent greenery in the landscape.

What is the growth strength of the Helictotrichon sempervirens?

Helictotrichon sempervirens achieves its full height within a span of 2 to 5 years, showcasing a moderately rapid growth rate and establishing itself as a resilient and steadily developing plant.

0203 455 22 48

Send an e-mail
[email protected]

Personal advice from
our specialists? We are happy to help you!