Helictotrichon sempervirens

Helictotrichon sempervirens

Helictotrichon sempervirens is a dense tufted evergreen grass. Its rigid blue-grey leaves form a neat mound, crowned with taller arching stems of straw coloured flowers in summer.

A fairly drought-tolerant plant once established. The RHS has given it its Award of Garden Merit (AGM).

Suitable for growing in a gravel garden or dry border. Combines especially well with deep purple foliage or silver-leaved plants.

How to take care of Helictotrichon

Ornamental grasses can be grown as specimens, in borders, as screens or in containers. Suitable for any well drained soil , they can be planted in a sunny or partially shaded position. Enrich the planting site with organic matter prior to planting.

Leave plenty of space between tall varieties. Plant in a hole deep enough so that the root ball will be a little deeper than the plant was growing in it's container. Water well after planitng and for a few weeks until the plant is established.

Mulch grasses with organic material in the autumn to protect roots and shoots from freezing. Grasses which die back completely in winter can be rejuvenated by cutting the entire plant back to about 10cm in early spring.

Divide grasses every few years in the spring just as they are beginning to break dormancy. Dig the plant up and cut the clump into divisions with a sharp knife or spade, replant the divisions.