Ornamental Blue Grass

Big Bluestem

• Big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii) is a type of perennial blue grass that forms stiff, upright clumps that measure between 3 and 6 feet tall. This grass is winter hardy to USDA zone 4. The blue-green foliage produces branched seed heads that turn orange in the fall. Big bluestem prefers moist, sandy soils but tolerates clay soils. This type of grass grows in elevations up to 7,500 feet.

Blue Sedge

• Blue sedge (Carex glauca) maintains a height between 6 and 12 inches tall. This clumping blue grass spreads gradually by forming rhizomes. It thrives in USDA zones 4 through 7 and tolerates a range of soil types. Blue sedge forms thick, flat leaves in shades of blue and green. Blue sedge flourishes in full sunlight to partial shade. Blue sedge is a low-maintenance ground cover that requires containment to keep it from spreading.

Blue Fescue

• Blue fescue (Festuca cinerea) is a small, cool season grass that grows in sun or partial shade. A native grass of central Europe, blue fescue is an adaptable type of bluegrass that thrives in most areas warmer than USDA zone 3. It prefers sandy soils with slight moisture content and may require occasional, supplemental watering. Heavy, wet soils may hinder the growth of blue fescue. The small blue and green clumps maintain their color throughout the winter. Dividing these clumps in the fall provides new specimens for transplanting.

Blue Oat Grass

• Blue oat grass (Helictotrichon sempervirens) is a cool season grass that forms upright, dense clumps of pointed leaves. This type of blue grass grows to a medium height of about 2 1/2 feet tall. It is hardy to USDA zone 4. This semi-evergreen grass forms white seed heads that turn gold as they mature. Blue oat grass makes a sturdy windbreak for smaller, fragile plants and flowers. This grass keeps its blue color most of the year.