Alphabetical Plant Listing

Bouteloua gracilis (Blue Grama)

Blue Grama, Blue Grama Grass, Mosquito Grass


Low-growing and compact, Bouteloua gracilis (Blue Grama) is a densely tufted, warm-season, ornamental grass noted for its intriguing inflorescences resembling tiny brushes. Suspended horizontally from only one side of the flowering stems, the flowers are red-tinted at first before they bleach to a straw color. On display from late spring until fall, they rise above a foliage mound of narrow, blue-gray, semi-evergreen leaves which usually turn golden brown in the fall, but sometimes develop pretty hues of orange and red. A great choice along sunny paths or in decorative containers, where the curious comblike flower spikes can be enjoyed.

  • Grows up to 2 ft. tall and wide (60 cm). Freely self-seeds, but is easily managed.
  • Performs best in full sun, in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils. Tolerates a wide range of soils as long as they are well-drained. Drought and dry soil tolerant!
  • Welcomed in any garden style, it is versatile and can be used as a specimen plant, in groups, or en masse. It is ideal in borders where it provides texture, color, and contrast. A great choice for rock gardens, prairies, and naturalized areas. Can be used as a ground cover in dry spots. Flowers are excellent in dried arrangements.
  • Cut back old foliage to the ground in late winter.
  • Propagate by seed.
  • Native to the southern and western United States, Mexico

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Requirements

Hardiness 3 – 10
Heat Zones 5 – 9
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 18, 19, 20, 21
Plant Type Ornamental Grasses
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Height 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm)
Spread 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm)
Spacing 20" – 24" (50cm – 60cm)
Water Needs Low
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Showy, Semi-Evergreen
Native Plants United States, California, Midwest, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Northeast, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New York, Pacific Northwest, Idaho, Rocky Mountains, Colorado, Montana, Utah, Wyoming, Southeast, South Carolina, Southwest, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas
Tolerance Drought, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Ground Covers, Pathways, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Mediterranean Garden, Modern Garden, Prairie and Meadow

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Botanik Foto, Shutterstock, (c) Gerhard Bock, SucculentsandMore.com

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.


Requirements

Hardiness 3 – 10
Heat Zones 5 – 9
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 18, 19, 20, 21
Plant Type Ornamental Grasses
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Height 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm)
Spread 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm)
Spacing 20" – 24" (50cm – 60cm)
Water Needs Low
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Showy, Semi-Evergreen
Native Plants United States, California, Midwest, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Northeast, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New York, Pacific Northwest, Idaho, Rocky Mountains, Colorado, Montana, Utah, Wyoming, Southeast, South Carolina, Southwest, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas
Tolerance Drought, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Ground Covers, Pathways, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Mediterranean Garden, Modern Garden, Prairie and Meadow

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