Helictotrichon sempervirens 'Saphirsprudel'
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Tried and True Recommended by 1 Professional
Common Name: blue oat grass
Type: Ornamental grass
Family: Poaceae
Zone: 4 to 8
Height: 2 to 3 feet
Spread: 1.5 to 2 feet
Bloom Time: June
Bloom Description: Bluish brown
Sun: Full sun
Water: Dry to medium
Maintenance: Low
Flowers: Showy Flowers
Leaves: Colorful
Other: Winter Interest
Tolerates: Air Pollution, Black Walnuts, Deer

Culture

Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soil in full sun. Best blue color occurs in dryish soils. Remove withered leaves as they appear. Although foliage is evergreen in warm winter climates, it is more semi-evergreen in harsh winters where foliage decline will occur. In the St. Louis area, plants generally benefit by being cut back close to the ground in late winter every year.

Noteworthy Characteristics

This blue oat grass cultivar is a clump-forming, cool season, ornamental grass which typically grows 2-3' tall (foliage clump to 18" with flower spikes rising above the foliage to 24-36"). Primarily differs from the species by having slightly wider leaf blades, better blue color, better disease resistance (especially to rust) and better tolerance for heat and humidity. Features stiff, spiky, steel blue leaf blades (to 1/2" wide) which taper to sharp tips and form a porcupine-like foliage clump. Reminiscent of blue fescue (Festuca glauca), but is significantly larger. Spikelets of bluish-brown flowers arranged in open, drooping, one-sided panicles appear in early summer atop erect stems which rise well above the foliage and arch at the tip. Flower spikelets turn brown in late summer as the seed ripens. Sempervirens in Latin means evergreen in reference to the foliage. This cultivar is sold under its original German name of 'Saphirsprudel' as well as under various translated cultivar names such as 'Sapphire' and 'Sapphire Fountain', all of which are synonymous.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Rust may be troublesome in humid climates, though this cultivar reportedly has good resistance. Crown rot may occur in moist, poorly drained soils.

Garden Uses

Specimen or small grouping for rock gardens, borders or foundations. Mass for ground cover. Edging for walks and paths. Blue foliage contrasts well with pink-flowering plants.

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