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Blue grama

Bouteloua gracilis

boo-tel-LOO-ah grah-SIL-iss Audio

Blue grama is a perennial grass from the Americas bearing unusually bent and flattened inflorescences. Being native to open grasslands, they are drought tolerant and at home in meadows. They provide the garden with shades of tan that persist throughout winter. 

Noteworthy CharacteristicsFancifully bent, brownish-purple seed heads perch atop wiry stems and fine foliage. Suitable for specimen planting or in mixed borders

CareGrow in light, well-drained soil in full sun; cannot tolerate wet winters.

PropagationDivide from mid-spring to early summer; sow seed in cold frames in spring.

ProblemsDamping off, rust, head and leaf smuts, tar spot, fungal spots, root rot.

  • Genus : Bouteloua
  • Plant Height : 1 to 3 feet
  • Zones : 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
  • Plant Width : 6 to 12 inches
  • Tolerance : Deer Tolerant, Drought Tolerant
  • Moisture : Dry to Medium
  • Light : Full Shade
  • Plant Type : Grasses
  • Uses : Ground Covers
  • Maintenance : Low
  • Growth Rate : Moderate
  • Characteristics : Showy Foliage, Showy Seed Heads
  • Bloom Time : Summer
  • Plant Seasonal Interest : Summer Interest

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