Description

Arrhenatherum – Oat Grass

There are 6 species of deciduous loosely tufted perennial grasses from meadows and grassland in Europe, Northern Africa, and Northern and Western Asia in this genus.  Most are considered weeds and unattractive coarse foliage.  Arrhenatherum elatius subsp. ‘Variegatum’ is the sole species grown and used as a groundcover or in front of a border.

This easily grown species just needs well-drained fertile soil in full sun or partial shade.  Cut down to the ground in mid summer, a second flush of leaves will follow as days and nights cool.  Divide in spring every third year.

Prone to Cercosporidium leaf streak, rust, ergot, and anthracnose.

Arrhenatherum elatius subsp. Bulbous ‘Variegatum’ – Bulbous Oat Grass – This loosely tufted perennial from Europe grows to 12” tall and in breadth.   They produce small usually pear shaped “bulbs”, ½” wide that support linear, gray-green leaves to 10” long with a white striped edges.  From midsummer to early autumn it bears narrow silvery green panicles 8-12” long with an open oat-like spikelets.

Zones 4-10