Elymus magellanicus - Blue Wheatgrass, Magellan Wheatgrass

aka Agropyron magellanicum, Leymus magellanicus

Blue Wheatgrass is reputed to be the bluest of all grasses. From our observations this seems to be true.

Grows well in containers.

Muriel says: My garden was on our local Garden Tour. Of all the plants in my garden, this and Persicaria polymorpha received the most attention. This plant does not like to be dry. If it dries out it will turn beige. It may or may not have died but it is letting you know that it doesn't like to be dry. To be honest, I think that the drought tolerance rating of 3 may be too generous.

Description: cool season, semi-evergreen; bunch forming
Foliage is very blue; medium blade width; 30-60 cm (12-24") in height
Flowers are sparse and bloom in May; 50-75 cm (20-30") tall

Ideal conditions: sun to part shade; grows well in sandy loam with excellent drainage and ample water; struggles in hot and dry conditions (provide light shade and water), cold and wet winters (provide extra drainage and a warmer microclimate) and humid summers (provide air movement)

Coldest zone: 4 (find your zone; further info on plant hardiness)

Partner with: roses, plants with purple foliage, Centranthus rubra (Jupiter's Beard), daylilies, Bergenia, Erigeron

Season of interest: evergreen

Drought tolerance rating: 3 (water to root depth every week) further info

Native to: higher elevations in Chile and Argentina. Like many high altitude plants they are quite hardy in areas with ample snow cover, but resent the hot dry valley bottoms.

Recommended spacing between plants: 35-70 cm (15-28") why such a difference?

Pronunciation: Elymus (eh-LYE-mus) magellanicus (ma-jell-AN-i-cus)

More ornamental grasses

Compare Elymus magellanicus to our other grasses in this handy chart.