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.
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