Overview
Helictotrichon sempervirens is a tufted grass like in the genus Helictotrichon, part of the Poaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 1-1.5 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Helictotrichon sempervirens grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and alkaline and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. It is low maintenance. Suggested uses include coastal, architectural, low maintenance and flower borders and beds. It is native to France and Italy.
About
Helictotrichon sempervirens, the blue oat grass, is a species of flowering plant in the true grass family, Poaceae, native to central and southwest European grasslands. It is a bunchgrass often used as an ornamental grass in garden design and landscaping. The foliage is pale green with a hint of blue. It grows in an arching shape, up to 140 cm (55 in) tall by 60 cm (24 in) wide. Mature plants reach roughly 1-1.5 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, carrying evergreen foliage. In the garden it prefers full sun and most soil types. It tolerates alkaline and neutral soils, moist but well-drained, well-drained conditions and south-facing, north-facing, west-facing and east-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Helictotrichon sempervirens
About the genus
Helictotrichon, or alpine oatgrass, is a genus of perennial flowering plants in the grass family. The genus name comes from the Greek heliktos meaning twisted, and trichos meaning hair, referring to the shape of the awn.
Wikipedia contributors, "Helictotrichon", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Helictotrichon
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Helictotrichon
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Helictotrichon sempervirens size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Grass Like
- Habit
- Tufted
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 1-1.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Coastal, Architectural, Low Maintenance, Flower borders and beds
- Native to
- France, Italy
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Helictotrichon sempervirens
- Cultivation
- Prefers full sun and well-drained soil; tolerates alkaline and neutral pH; suitable for coastal and exposed sites; low maintenance once established.
- Pruning
- Cut back old foliage in late winter or early spring to encourage fresh growth.
- Propagation
- Division in mid-spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Rust
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Helictotrichon sempervirens?
Prefers full sun and well-drained soil; tolerates alkaline and neutral pH; suitable for coastal and exposed sites; low maintenance once established.
Where is the best place to plant Helictotrichon sempervirens?
Helictotrichon sempervirens prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Helictotrichon sempervirens need?
Helictotrichon sempervirens is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It prefers alkaline and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
How do I prune Helictotrichon sempervirens?
Cut back old foliage in late winter or early spring to encourage fresh growth.
How big does Helictotrichon sempervirens grow?
Helictotrichon sempervirens reaches a height of 1-1.5 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Helictotrichon sempervirens hardy in the UK?
Helictotrichon sempervirens has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Helictotrichon sempervirens?
Division in mid-spring.