Bouteloua gracilis 'Blonde Ambition' | Blonde Ambition Blue Grama Grass
DESCRIPTION
Bouteloua gracilis 'Blonde Ambition', a selection of the native blue grama grass, originates from the prairies of North America. It blooms from mid to late summer, producing an abundance of chartreuse flowers held horizontally on tall stems, resembling tiny, fluttering eyelashes. As the season progresses, the seed heads mature to a soft blonde color, standing out against the fine-textured blue-green foliage.
What makes 'Blonde Ambition' unique is its larger seed heads compared to the species, along with its tendency to remain upright and showy well into winter, adding year-round visual interest. The airy, floating effect of its seed heads combined with its exceptional cold hardiness makes it a standout choice for naturalistic plantings or mixed borders.
DESCRIPTION
Bouteloua gracilis 'Blonde Ambition', a selection of the native blue grama grass, originates from the prairies of North America. It blooms from mid to late summer, producing an abundance of chartreuse flowers held horizontally on tall stems, resembling tiny, fluttering eyelashes. As the season progresses, the seed heads mature to a soft blonde color, standing out against the fine-textured blue-green foliage.
What makes 'Blonde Ambition' unique is its larger seed heads compared to the species, along with its tendency to remain upright and showy well into winter, adding year-round visual interest. The airy, floating effect of its seed heads combined with its exceptional cold hardiness makes it a standout choice for naturalistic plantings or mixed borders.
DESCRIPTION
Bouteloua gracilis 'Blonde Ambition', a selection of the native blue grama grass, originates from the prairies of North America. It blooms from mid to late summer, producing an abundance of chartreuse flowers held horizontally on tall stems, resembling tiny, fluttering eyelashes. As the season progresses, the seed heads mature to a soft blonde color, standing out against the fine-textured blue-green foliage.
What makes 'Blonde Ambition' unique is its larger seed heads compared to the species, along with its tendency to remain upright and showy well into winter, adding year-round visual interest. The airy, floating effect of its seed heads combined with its exceptional cold hardiness makes it a standout choice for naturalistic plantings or mixed borders.
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Family: Poaceae
Height: 30 to 36 inches
Width: 30 to 36 inches
Foliage color: Blue-green
Flower color: Chartreuse aging to blonde
Bloom time: Mid to late summer
Light requirements: Full sun
Water requirements: Low; drought-tolerant once established
Maintenance: Low; cut back old stems to 2 to 3 inches above ground level in mid-spring
Growing zone: USDA zones 4 to 9
Wildlife attractors: Attracts butterflies; ground-feeding birds enjoy the seeds; deer resistantThis plant can be seen at the Bellevue Botanical Garden.
