Unique Features: Blue Avena grass is native to central and south Western Europe and is similar to a larger Blue Fescue.  Blue Avena is a proven performer dating back to 1993 when it received the RHS Plant of Merit award.  It is not dependably evergreen in our area but it is resistant to both deer and rabbits. Being a cool season grass it usually starts growing in April and should be cut back to 4’’ tall in mid to late March. It grows into rounded clumps of ½’’ wide steely blue blades which taper down to a point and the blades are stiffer and sturdier than those of blue fescue.  The flower plumes emerge up from the center of the clump and can extend up to 4’.  Each stem has a one sided cluster of tiny pale blue flowers that develop into the oat like seed heads.  This is a slow process and sometimes our seasons aren’t long enough to permit full maturity.  It may be used as a specimen or ground cover.