Arrhenatherum elatius var. bulbosum ‘Variegatum’
(ah-ren-AH-the-rum ay-LAH-tee-us var. bul-BOW-sum)

Family: Poaceae

Common name: variegated bulbous oat grass; variegated false oat grass
Zone: 4 – 8
Height: 12-15 in (30-35 cm)
Spread: 18-24 in (45-60 cm)
Aspect: full sun; partial shade
Soil: average; well-draining
Water: moderate

Description: An herbaceous perennial grass with a tuft-forming habit. Hairless, slender, grey-green leaves are edged in creamy white. Pale green spikelets appear in summer, changing to straw brown colour in autumn.

Special Notes: Native to Europe. This grass increases in size with the formation of chains of yellow bulb-like swellings developing at the base of the stems. Growth is relatively slow and easy to control, however. Remove old foliage in late winter before new leaves emerge. Generally, pest- and disease-free. Deer and rabbit resistant. Propagate by division in early spring or autumn.

 

Posted on April 18, 2013; updated on August 7, 2024