Helictotrichon Plants: Ornamental Grasses for Sun & Shade

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Helictotrichon (hel-ik-toe-try-kon), blue oat grass, Poaceae Family. Blue oat grass is a clump-forming, cool season, ornamental grass.

Helictotrichon

Helictotrichon sempervirens (30)ct Flat

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Helictotrichon

Helictotrichon sempervirens (30)ct Flat

Helictotrichon sempervirens (30)ct Flat Common name: Grass-Ornamental, Blue Oat Grass. Blue Oat grass looks like a miniature water fountain, with its densely packed leaves gently spraying upward and arching back downward at the tips. This species...

MSRP:

Now: $228.43
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What are the characteristics of Helictotrichon?

Here are the characteristics of Helictotrichon, commonly known as blue oat grass:

Ornamental grass: It's a clump-forming, cool-season ornamental grass that typically grows 2-3 feet tall with a similar spread.
Foliage: It features very narrow (3/8" wide), spiky, steel blue leaf blades (to 18") which form a rounded, porcupine-like clump. The foliage remains evergreen in mild climates and becomes semi-evergreen in colder areas, providing year-round interest in the landscape.
Flowers: In June, spikelets of bluish-brown flowers arranged in open, one-sided panicles appear on erect stems rising well above the foliage clump. The flower spikelets mature to a golden wheat color by fall. The genus name Helictotrichon comes from the Greek helictos meaning twisted and trichos meaning hair for the twisted base of the awns, while the specific epithet sempervirens means "evergreen".
Growing conditions: It's easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soil in full sun. The best blue color occurs in drier soils. It's also deer resistant and tolerant of black walnut toxicity.

Overall, Helictotrichon is a low-maintenance ornamental grass that adds beauty and textural interest to the landscape.

How Do I Plant Helictotrichon?

Planting Helictotrichon, also known as blue oat grass, is a fairly straightforward process. Here's a guide to get you started:

Choosing the right time: The ideal time to plant Helictotrichon is either in spring or fall. This allows the plant to establish its root system before facing extreme temperatures.

Picking a location:

Sun exposure: Aim for a location that receives full sun, at least 6-8 hours a day. This will ensure the best development of its blue foliage color.
Soil drainage: Well-drained soil is crucial. Blue oat grass doesn't tolerate soggy conditions, so avoid planting in areas that retain water. Amending the soil with sand or compost can improve drainage if needed.

Planting steps:

Dig a hole: Make a hole twice as wide as the plant's root ball and just as deep.
Loosen the soil: Loosen the soil around the edges of the hole to encourage root growth beyond the root ball.
Position the plant: Carefully remove the Helictotrichon from its container and place it in the center of the hole. Ensure the crown (the area where the roots and stems meet) sits level with the soil surface.
Backfill and water: Fill the hole with the excavated soil and gently tamp it down to remove air pockets. Water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots.

Additional tips:

Spacing: If planting multiple Helictotrichon plants, space them 18-24 inches apart to allow for mature growth.
Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Watering: Once established, Helictotrichon is drought tolerant and requires minimal watering. However, during extended dry periods, provide occasional deep watering to encourage healthy growth.

By following these steps, you can successfully plant your Helictotrichon and enjoy its beauty in your garden for years to come.

What Are varieties Of Helictotrichon?

There are several varieties of Helictotrichon, but due to taxonomic reclassification, many species once classified under Helictotrichon are now placed in other genera. Here are some popular varieties still classified under Helictotrichon:

Helictotrichon sempervirens (Blue Oat Grass): This is the most popular variety, known for its evergreen or semi-evergreen steel blue foliage. It grows 2-3 feet tall and wide and features narrow,
Helictotrichon sangui (Blood Oat Grass): This variety has a similar appearance to Helictotrichon sempervirens but with burgundy-red foliage that takes on a more pronounced red color in fall. It matures to 18-24 inches tall and prefers well-drained soil.

How Do I Care For Helictotrichon In My Garden?

Here's how to care for Helictotrichon, also known as blue oat grass, in your garden:

Watering:

Helictotrichon is drought tolerant once established.
Provide regular watering during the first year after planting to help the roots develop.
After establishment, water deeply only during prolonged dry periods when the soil feels dry to the touch.
Avoid overwatering, as Helictotrichon doesn't tolerate soggy conditions.

Fertilizing:

Helictotrichon generally doesn't require heavy feeding.
A light application of a balanced fertilizer in early spring can be beneficial, but avoid overfertilizing as this can promote excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowers.

Pruning:

Helictotrichon requires minimal pruning.
In late winter or early spring, before new growth emerges, remove dead, diseased, or winter-damaged leaves. You can use a rake or shears for this purpose.
Some gardeners prefer to cut the entire clump back to about 6 inches tall in late winter. This can encourage bushier growth, but it's not necessary for the health of the plant.

Other care tips:

Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant in spring. This helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Dividing: Helictotrichon can be divided in spring or fall to propagate new plants. Dig up the mature clump and carefully divide it into sections, each with healthy roots and shoots. Replant the divisions as you would new plants.
Pests and diseases: Helictotrichon is generally pest and disease resistant. However, in poorly drained soils, crown rot can occur. If you notice signs of rot, remove the affected plant to prevent it from spreading to others.

By following these simple care tips, you can keep your Helictotrichon thriving and adding beauty to your garden for many seasons to come.

Do Helictotrichon attract pollinators?

Yes, Helictotrichon, also known as blue oat grass, can attract pollinators to your garden, although they may not be the primary attractant like some flowering plants. Here's why:

Subtle flowers: Helictotrichon flowers are not particularly showy. They are typically small, brownish-purple and arranged in open panicles. This doesn't necessarily mean pollinators won't visit, but brightly colored and fragrant flowers tend to be more attractive.
Pollen source: The flowers do produce pollen, which can be a food source for bees and other pollinators.

Overall, Helictotrichon might not be the star attraction for pollinators in your garden, but it can still play a role in supporting the pollinator population. Here are some things to consider:

Companion planting: Planting Helictotrichon alongside brightly colored flowering plants can create a more attractive habitat for pollinators. Pollinators will be drawn to the showy flowers and may also visit the Helictotrichon for additional pollen.
Habitat creation: Providing a variety of plants with different bloom times throughout the season creates a more sustainable food source for pollinators. Even if Helictotrichon isn't their top choice, it can contribute to the overall food availability.

If your primary goal is to attract a large number of pollinators, consider incorporating other flowering plants specifically known to be pollinator magnets, such as lavender, coneflower, or bee balm, alongside your Helictotrichon.

Are There Any Common Pests Or Diseases That Affect Helictotrichon?

Helictotrichon, commonly known as blue oat grass, is generally considered a pest and disease resistant plant. However, there are a couple of issues to watch for:

Crown rot: This fungal disease can occur if Helictotrichon is planted in poorly drained soil. Crown rot causes the roots and crown of the plant to rot, eventually leading to wilting and death of the foliage.

Here are some signs of crown rot:

Leaves turning brown or yellow at the base of the plant
The base of the plant becoming mushy or soft
Slowed growth

If you suspect crown rot, it's important to remove the affected plant promptly to prevent the disease from spreading to others. Improve the drainage in the area before replanting.

Other potential issues: While uncommon, Helictotrichon may be susceptible to pests like aphids or scale insects in rare cases. These can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil if necessary.

Overall, with proper planting techniques (ensuring well-drained soil) and avoiding overwatering, Helictotrichon shouldn't experience significant pest or disease problems.

Can I Use Helictotrichon in Floral Arrangements?

Helictotrichon, also known as blue oat grass, can be used in floral arrangements with some considerations:

Pros:

Textural interest: The thin, spiky blue-green foliage adds a textural element that contrasts nicely with softer flowers.
Color: The steel blue color can complement a variety of flower colors, particularly warm tones like orange, yellow, and red.
Versatility: Helictotrichon can be used in fresh or dried arrangements. Dried Helictotrichon retains its color well and adds a touch of permanence to the arrangement.

Cons:

Limited vase life: Fresh Helictotrichon may not have the longest vase life compared to other flowers. The foliage can start to wilt or dry out after a few days.
Pollen: The flowers of Helictotrichon produce pollen, which can be messy in some arrangements.

Here are some tips for using Helictotrichon in floral arrangements:

Harvest at the right time: For fresh arrangements, cut Helictotrichon stems just before the flowers fully open.
Condition the stems: Similar to other cut flowers, give the Helictotrichon stems a fresh cut at the base and place them in lukewarm water for a few hours before arranging.
Use as an accent: Helictotrichon works best as an accent element rather than the main focal point of the arrangement.
Combine with other flowers: Pair Helictotrichon with flowers that have a longer vase life and complementary colors.
Consider dried Helictotrichon: For a longer-lasting option, dried Helictotrichon can be a good choice.

Overall, Helictotrichon can be a creative addition to floral arrangements, especially when used strategically for its textural contrast and interesting color. Just be mindful of its shorter vase life for fresh arrangements and potential for pollen mess.

Is Helictotrichon Invasive?

No, Helictotrichon, commonly known as blue oat grass, is generally not considered invasive. Here's why:

Clump-forming habit: Unlike some grasses that spread aggressively through runners or rhizomes, Helictotrichon forms a neat clump and does not spread uncontrollably.
Limited self-seeding: While Helictotrichon can produce seeds, self-seeding is not prolific. You may find occasional seedlings popping up near the parent plant, but it's unlikely to become a major problem.

However, there are a few things to keep in mind:

Local variations: While Helictotrichon is not listed as invasive in most areas, it's always a good idea to check with your local resources to see if there are any concerns about its potential invasiveness in your specific region.
Unwanted seedlings: If Helictotrichon self-seeds in unwanted areas, you can simply remove the seedlings by hand.

Overall, Helictotrichon is a well-behaved ornamental grass that is unlikely to cause any problems with invasiveness.

When Is The Best Time To propagate Helictotrichon?

There are two main times for propagating Helictotrichon, also known as blue oat grass:

Spring (just as new growth emerges): This is generally considered the preferred time for propagation by division. During spring, the plant is actively growing and has more energy reserves to recover from the division process.
Fall (before the first frost): Propagation by division can also be successful in fall, but spring is generally recommended for better results.

Here's a quick comparison of the two times for propagation:

Factor	Spring	Fall
Preferred time	Yes	No (but possible)
Success rate	Generally higher	May be lower
Plant stress	Less stressful on the plant	Plant may be stressed from colder weather approaching

Additional factors to consider:

Your climate: If you live in a colder climate with harsh winters, spring propagation might be the safer option to allow the new division time to establish a strong root system before winter.
Plant size and health: Choose a healthy, mature Helictotrichon plant for propagation. Dividing a weak or stressed plant is not recommended.

No matter which time you choose, proper technique is important for successful propagation. You can find many resources online or consult a gardening guide for detailed instructions on dividing Helictotrichon.

What are the benefits of planting Helictotrichon?

Here are some of the benefits of planting Helictotrichon, also known as blue oat grass, in your garden:

Aesthetics:

Year-round interest: The evergreen or semi-evergreen steel blue foliage provides color and texture throughout the growing season, even in winter in mild climates.
Textural contrast: The thin, spiky leaves add a unique textural element that complements other plants in the garden.
Blends with various styles: The cool blue color can work well in a variety of garden designs, from modern and minimalist to cottage gardens and traditional borders.

Low Maintenance:

Drought tolerant: Once established, Helictotrichon requires minimal watering due to its drought tolerance.
Pest and disease resistant: Helictotrichon is generally resistant to pests and diseases, making it a low-maintenance choice.
Easy to care for: It requires minimal pruning and doesn't need frequent feeding.

Other benefits:

Deer resistant: Helictotrichon is unpalatable to deer, making it a good choice for gardens in areas with deer problems.
Can be used in containers: Helictotrichon can be grown in pots or containers for patios and balconies.
Provides winter interest: The dried flower heads add a touch of texture and visual interest to the winter garden.

Overall, Helictotrichon is a versatile and low-maintenance ornamental grass that offers a variety of benefits for gardeners. It adds beauty and textural interest to the landscape while requiring minimal care.

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Helictotrichon

Helictotrichon sempervirens (30)ct Flat

Helictotrichon

Helictotrichon sempervirens (30)ct Flat