Arrhenatherum elatius subsp. bulbosum 'Variegatum'
Oat grass, Variegated bulbous oat grass, Bulbous oat grass, False oat grass, French rye
Also known as Arrhenatherum bulbosum
- Height × spread
- 0.4m × 0.75m
- Position
- Tolerates full sun, likes part shade, likes light shade
- Hardiness
- Colder than -20C (RHS H7)
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This low growing grass, with blue and white foliage with white vertical margins and blue-green centres, has a very bright yet cool effect. The foliage is especially good in spring and autumn and has a most attractive clean appearance. Close examination reveals little clumps of minute bulbils close to the soil. The stems are very fragile and can bend when the plant is handled. So, it can be a problem to move, in the growing season. This is a very cool looking plant that should be placed with plants with similar cool clear colours.
- Flower colour
- Green
- Foliage colour
- Blue, Grey
- Variegated
- Yes
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Cube
- Height
- 0.4m
- Spread
- 0.75m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Summer, Winter
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Winter garden, Seaside garden
- Sun or shade
- Tolerates full sun, likes part shade, likes light shade
- Soil type
- Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- Acid (ericaceous), Neutral
- Drainage
- Well drained soil
- Hardiness
- Colder than -20C (RHS H7)
- Borders & containers
- Borders and containers
- Use for
- Ground cover, Bird attraction
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with sequestrol
If plants are acid loving and grown in soil with little acidity, or in a container, or are watered with limey tap water an annual feed with sequestrol (iron chelate) is highly beneficial. Follow guidelines on the packet. Will also 'blue-up' hydrangeas.
For hydrangeas that have good blue flowers in acid soil, this product can be used with alkaline soil to turn the flowers blue. This is most effective when the soil is neutral or just slightkly alkaline.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water in dry periods
Established plants in the ground can cope with 7-10 days of dryness, and shrubs often manage 2 to 3 weeks. Water one section of the garden thoroughly each day rather than a little everywhere. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather.
Summer
Summer · Planting
Prune hard
Cut to near ground in summer as this will encourage fresh, clean-looking foliage to grow from an invigorated plant.
Summer · Planting
Divide every 3 years
Divide clumps every three years as this gives the best foliage colour.
Planting & general
Outdoors
Water with rain water
This plant needs rain water or soft water (the minerals in alkaline or "hard" water are harmful). This is especially important for plants in pots.