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Bouteloua gracilis (Blue grama)
1 hour care
per year
per year
0.6m
Max height
Max height
0.5m
Max spread
Max spread
2-5 years
To maturity
To maturity
Plant details
Botanical name
Bouteloua gracilis
Other names
Blue grama, Mosquito grass, Signal-arm grass, Bouteloua oligostachya, Chondrosum gracile
Genus
Bouteloua Bouteloua
Species
B. gracilis - B. gracilis is a clump-forming, deciduous, perennial grass with linear, mid- to yellow-green leaves and, in summer, panicles of dense flower spikes, each with purple-brown spikelets.
Bouteloua gracilis is: Deciduous
Habit
Clump-forming, Upright
Flower
Flushed purple, Brown in Summer
Foliage
Green in Summer; Flushed purple, Green in Autumn
How to care
Watch out for
Pests
Generally pest free
Diseases
Generally disease free
General care
Pruning
Cut back in early spring before new growth begins.
Propagation
Best to sow seed in spring.
Propagation methods
Division, Seed
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Where to grow
Bouteloua gracilis (Blue grama) will reach a height of 0.6m and a spread of 0.5m after 2-5 years.
Suggested uses
Beds and borders, City, Containers, Cottage/Informal, Ground Cover, Low Maintenance, Planted in groups, Prairie planting
Cultivation
Grow in well-drained soil in full sun. Provide sharp drainage and protect crowns in areas with wet winters.
Soil type
Chalky, Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Full Sun
Aspect
South, East, West
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
Companion plants
We do not currently have companion plants added for this plant.
Botanical name
Bouteloua gracilis
Other names
Blue grama, Mosquito grass, Signal-arm grass, Bouteloua oligostachya, Chondrosum gracile
Genus
Bouteloua Bouteloua
Species
B. gracilis - B. gracilis is a clump-forming, deciduous, perennial grass with linear, mid- to yellow-green leaves and, in summer, panicles of dense flower spikes, each with purple-brown spikelets.
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump-forming, Upright
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Colour
Flower
Flushed purple, Brown in Summer
Foliage
Green in Summer; Flushed purple, Green in Autumn
How to care
Watch out for
Pests
Generally pest free
Diseases
Generally disease free
General care
Pruning
Cut back in early spring before new growth begins.
Propagation
Best to sow seed in spring.
Propagation methods
Division, Seed
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Bouteloua gracilis (Blue grama) will reach a height of 0.6m and a spread of 0.5m after 2-5 years.
Suggested uses
Beds and borders, City, Containers, Cottage/Informal, Ground Cover, Low Maintenance, Planted in groups, Prairie planting
Cultivation
Grow in well-drained soil in full sun. Provide sharp drainage and protect crowns in areas with wet winters.
Soil type
Chalky, Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Full Sun
Aspect
South, East, West
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
USDA zones
Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5, Zone 4, Zone 3
In order to add a note on this plant, please add this plant to your plant lists.
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Chalky, Loamy, Sandy | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Well-drained | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Full Sun | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | South, East, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Hardy (H4) | Tell us... |
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