Groundcover & Vines – Tall – River Oats

River Oats 

Botanical name: chasmanthium latifolium 

Beginner friendly?: yes

Average size at maturity: 3-5 ft in height with a 1-1 ½ ft spread 

Hardy zone: zones 3-8 

Growth rate: reaches fully mature size in 1-2 growing seasons 

Foliage color: green, yellow 

Flower color: green/yellow/purple/brown 

Bloom time:  summer 

Pruning instructions: cut down to 4 inches above the ground in the late winter/early spring to promote new season growth 

Propagation methods: propagate by division during the spring or fall months 

Landscape use: shade garden, wildlife garden, erosion control 

Special features: deer resistant, cold-hardy, salt tolerant, pet-friendly 

Light needs: 3-6 hours of sun per day 

Watering instructions: keep soil consistently moist but not soggy 

Fertilizing instructions : use an organic fertilizer once a year in the mid spring 

Best time to plant: spring 

Best type of soil:  loam, sand 

Companion plants: ferns, joe-pye weed, cardinal flower 

Toxicity level: non-toxic for humans and pets 

Invasive species: no