Bouteloua gracilis (Blue grama, Signal-arm grass, Mosquito grass)

Bouteloua gracilis Photo/Illustration: Courtesy of www.provenwinners.com


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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Bouteloua gracilis boo-tel-LOO-ah grah-SIL-iss Common Name: Blue grama, Signal-arm grass, Mosquito grass Synonyms: B. oligostachya, Chondrosum gracile Genus: Bouteloua
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 characteristics: Fancifully bent, brownish-purple seed heads perch atop wiry stems and fine foliage. Suitable for specimen planting or in mixed borders
Care: Grow in light, well-drained soil in full sun; cannot tolerate wet winters.
Propagation: Divide from mid-spring to early summer; sow seed in cold frames in spring.
Problems: Damping off, rust, head and leaf smuts, tar spot, fungal spots, root rot.
Height 1 ft. to 3 ft.
Spread 6 in. to 12 in.
Growth Habit Clumps
Growth Pace Moderate Grower
Light Full Shade Only
Moisture Dry to Medium
Maintenance Low
Tolerance Deer Tolerant;Drought Tolerant
Characteristics Showy Foliage; Showy Seed Heads
Bloom Time Summer
Flower Color Brown Flower; Purple/ Lavender Flower
Uses , Beds and Borders, Ground Covers, Dried Flower, Naturalizing
Style , Meadow Garden
Seasonal Interest , Winter Interest, Summer Interest, Fall Interest
Type ,Grasses

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