Helictotrichon sempervirens Pendula - Blue oat grass

Helictotrichon sempervirens 'Pendula', better known as Blue Oat Grass or perennial oat, is an evergreen and perennial grass with an open and elegant habit, remarkable in dry soil. The plant forms a tuft that is both spiky and rounded with long, arching leaves, tinged with silvery blue with metallic reflections. During the summer, numerous straw yellow, trailing and flexible panicles, reminiscent of oats, gracefully rise from the bluish foliage, creating a very successful chromatic association. Hardy, it prefers well-drained soils, sunlight, and withstands summer drought well. Of medium size, it deserves a prominent place in a rockery or a dry garden.

Helictotrichon sempervirens is a grass of the Poaceae family, native to central Europe and southwest Europe. It is a very hardy mountain species that is naturally found on limestone or sandy soils.

The cultivar 'Pendula' is mainly distinguished by a more arched habit and increased floribundance. The plant forms a dense, spreading tuft, 60cm (24in) tall, globular and spiky, composed of long, rigid, prickly leaves, 6mm (1in) wide, with rolled edges, 40 to 60cm (16 to 24in) long, displaying a beautiful steel-blue colour. The flowering plant (from June to August) will easily reach 80cm (32in) to 1.20m (4ft) in height with a spread of 40 to 60cm (16 to 24in). The beige culms, standing well above the foliage, bear spikelets initially bronze green then straw yellow, tinged with purple, gathered in aerial and trailing panicles. Planted in good conditions, this grass shows good drought resistance and excellent hardiness, tolerating negative temperatures down to -20°C (1°F).

From an ornamental point of view, 'Pendula' blue oat grass is remarkable for its vigour, graceful habit, and the very blue colour of its leaves. Helictotrichon sempervirens 'Pendula' is the ideal grass for gravel gardens, rockeries, or well-exposed slopes because it doesn't appreciate wet regions and soils. This very graphic plant adds dimension to sunny flower beds and rockeries, when cleverly placed at the edge or in corners. You can also plant it en masse in a large garden to create an attractive ground cover all year round. It pairs well with the silver foliage of certain wormwoods and bear's ears, placed on a bed of white pebbles. A successful combination can also be achieved with the blue flowers of globe thistles, perennial flax, or love-in-a-mist. The delicate white flowers of Gauras and Cosmos enhance its beauty. Planted in a large container, it will elegantly structure the terrace decor, just like a bush.