Unique Features: Blue Avena grass is native to central and south Western Europe and is similar to a larger Blue Fescue. The Sapphire cultivar originated in Germany and the grass blades are slightly smaller and bluer than the species.  It is not dependably evergreen in our area but it is resistant to both deer and rabbits, the rabbits may do a little nibbling when the grass first emerges in the spring but grass quickly regrows and isn’t bothered for the rest of the season. Being a cool season grass it usually starts growing in April and should be cut back to 4’’ tall in mid to late March. The flower plumes emerge up from the center of the clump and can extend up to 3’. Each stem has a one sided cluster of tiny 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.