Wheat Grass, specifically the 'Blue Tango' cultivar of Elymus magellanicus, is a cool-season perennial grass native to the alpine regions of southern Patagonia that has earned its place in ornamental landscapes for its extraordinary metallic blue foliage. This wheatgrass grows to a compact 9 to 12 inches tall and wide, forming a dense clump of flat, narrow, pointed leaf blades that age into graceful arches. Hardy in zones 5 through 8, it thrives in full sun with moderate water and requires minimal maintenance once established. The foliage is evergreen in mild winter climates, though it can be cut back hard in colder locations. From June through August, showy blooms add textural interest to the landscape.
Full Sun
Moderate
5-8
12in H x 12in W
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Moderate
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Blue Tango wheatgrass is prized by gardeners for what many consider the finest blue color among all blue-leaved grasses, with foliage that takes on a distinctive metallic sheen in bright light. The dense, compact clump habit makes it manageable in smaller gardens and containers, while its exceptional drought tolerance and low maintenance needs mean it thrives with minimal fussing once it's settled in. This cool-season native adapts well to alpine and high-elevation gardens where other ornamental grasses struggle.
Blue Tango wheatgrass is grown primarily as an ornamental grass for its exceptional foliage color and fine texture, used in perennial borders, rock gardens, and alpine plantings where its metallic blue leaves create visual contrast against greens and other warm tones. Its compact habit suits container cultivation, and its drought tolerance makes it valuable in water-conscious landscape designs and xeriscape settings.
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In mild winter climates where Blue Tango remains evergreen, minimal pruning is needed. In cold winter regions, cut the foliage back hard after frost damage occurs to rejuvenate the plant and encourage dense new growth in spring.
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“Elymus magellanicus hails from the alpine zones of far southern Chile and Argentina, where it evolved in the challenging mountainous terrain of Patagonia. This cold-hardy species has been selected for ornamental cultivation specifically for its remarkable blue foliage, which stands apart from other wheatgrasses in both intensity and metallic quality. The 'Blue Tango' cultivar represents a deliberate selection to highlight these striking color characteristics that distinguish it in contemporary landscape design.”