A native of high elevations in Chile and Argentina, blue wheat grass is a cool season, clump forming perennial grass. Its metallic blue foliage is outstanding and may be the best blue of any grass. The leaves are 8-12 inches long and one to 1½ inches wide. The plant is evergreen in mild climates. Bluish green flowers emerge in early summer, mature to straw color, and are attractive in fresh and dried arrangements. Blue wheat grass makes a fine accent in a perennial border and goes well with most other colors. It is especially attractive when paired with purple flowering plants or those with bronze foliage.
Type: Perennial semi-deciduous
Bloom: Bluish-green in early summer
Size: 1-1½’ H x 1-1½” W
Light: Full sun (some shade in hot, dry sites)
Soil: Average, moist, well-drained; does not tolerate wet soil or hot, dry sites
Hardiness: Zones 5-9
Care: Low maintenance
Pests and Diseases: None of significance
Propagation: Division, seed
Companion plants: Lupine ‘Australia’, pink peonies, Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’, Anthriscus sylvestris ‘Raven’s Wing’, dwarf conifers.
Karen Meyers