Bulbous Oat Grass 'Variegatum'

A striking, cool-season deciduous grass that is perfect for adding light to the front of a border. It forms compact tufts of narrow, upright blades that are vividly striped with crisp white and green. The plant is named for the peculiar small, corm-like swellings at the base of the stems, which are visible at ground level. In mid-summer, it sends up airy, oat-like flower panicles, though these are often secondary to the foliage interest. In the UK climate, this grass is most vibrant during the cooler months of spring and autumn; in very hot summers, it may enter a period of semi-dormancy and the foliage can look tired, but it quickly recovers as temperatures drop. It is a fantastic companion for spring bulbs or dark-leaved perennials. It is very easy to grow and adaptable to various soil types, provided they are well-drained. To keep it looking its best, it can be cut back hard after flowering to encourage a fresh flush of bright new leaves.

Sun: Full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Any well-drained soil.

Hardiness: H7 — below −20°C.

Flowering: Jun, Jul.