Blue Grama

Bouteloua gracilis

Plant Details:

Plant Type: Lawn & Blends
Plant Family: Poaceae
Plant Description: A low-growing bunch-type grass native to the northwestern United States plain. This grass can either be left natural, showing off wispy, yellow to tan seed heads or it can be planted densely and mowed short to form a warm season, water-conserving lawn. As a lawn, this grass greens up during May-June and grows well in the heat but will reach dormancy in September.

Maintenance:

Maintenance Type: Lawn - Warm Season
Plant Care: Lawn - Warm Season (turf grasses that are adapted to hot summers, staying green all summer but with a longer winter dormancy): Mow regularly so that not more than 1/3rd is removed each time. Mow to 2-3" or not at all for a longer look. Provide adequate water, but avoid overwatering. Fertilize once in the fall and an optional second time in the spring. In compacted soils, aerate once a year with a clean aerator. Dethatching is not necessary. Most weeds can be controlled through maintaining a healthy and competitive lawn. Otherwise, use appropriate weed control methods including hand pulling and appropriate herbicide use including pre-emergent herbicides to help compete with early-spring weeds.

Plant Attributes:

Mature Size: 24" tall x 10" wide
Utah Native: Yes
Plant Select: No
Pollinator Friendly: No
Localscapes: Infill Plant, Park Strip Plant, Central Open Shape
Foliage Interest: No
Foliage Colors: Green
Bloom Colors: Purple, Red, Tan
Bloom Seasons: Summer
Bloom Period: Jun - Aug

Growing Conditions:

Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
Light Requirement: Full Sun (6+ hrs sun)
Irrigation Requirement:     Low (1/2" every 10-14 days)
Salt Tolerant: Yes
Deer Resistant: Yes

Garden Location:

  • Commercial Concepts
    • Education Center Staff Parking
  • Design Path
    • Design Ideas-West
    • Easy Does It
    • Scene or Unseen
  • Planting Path
    • Turf Tips
  • Spring
  • Summer
  • Fall
  • Winter