About

Helictotrichon pratense, the meadow oat grass, is a compact, tufted, deciduous perennial grass with narrow, blue-green, flat leaves and erect, stiff stems bearing loose panicles of silvery-buff spikelets in early summer. A fine-textured, ornamental grass for a sunny, well-drained border.

About the genus

Helictotrichon are deciduous or evergreen, tufted perennial grasses producing linear leaves and erect, arching stems bearing open or contracted panicles of spikelets in summer. Grown as ornamental grasses in sunny, well-drained borders.

Plant details

Suggested usesBorders, prairie planting, containers.

Care notes

CultivationPlant in well-drained soil in sun. Cut back in late winter.
PruningCut old growth to the base in late winter before new shoots emerge.
PropagationDivide established clumps in spring.
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free. Monitor for common garden pests.
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-resistant. Ensure good air circulation.