How to Grow Blue Grama Grass
Bouteloua gracilis
Blue Grama Grass is a short, compact prairie native that thrives on neglect. The distinctive horizontal seed heads resemble tiny eyelashes or hovering mosquitoes and appear in mid-summer above neat blue-green foliage. Plant in spring in full sun and well-drained soil, even poor, sandy, or gravelly. Space plants 30 cm apart. Water lightly in the first season to establish; after that it needs no supplemental water. Do not fertilise. Ideal for green roofs, gravel gardens, and low-maintenance meadows. Cut to 5 cm in late February before new growth begins. Divide congested clumps every four to five years in spring.
Yearly Lifecycle
Care Essentials
Not needed. Blue Grama thrives in poor, dry soils and feeding encourages unwanted tall growth. Leave unfertilised.
Watch For
- Rust in humid conditions
- Root rot in heavy clay
Companions
Echinacea, Rudbeckia, Liatris, Penstemon
Care Requirements
Light
Full sun essential
Blue Grama Grass requires at least six hours of direct sun daily. In shade it becomes sparse and fails to produce its characteristic seed heads.
Watering
Extremely drought-tolerant
Water lightly in the first season only. Once established it needs no supplemental irrigation and actually performs worse with regular watering.
Fertilizing
Do not feed
Feeding causes tall, floppy growth that ruins the compact form. Plant in poor, well-drained soil and never fertilise.
Pruning
Cut back to 5 cm in late February
Leave all old growth standing through winter. Cut to 5 cm above ground in late February or early March before new shoots emerge.
Mulching
Gravel mulch only
If mulching, use only gravel or grit. Organic mulches retain too much moisture for this drought-lover.
Growing Tips
Perfect for green roofs and gravel gardens
Blue Grama's shallow root system and extreme drought tolerance make it ideal for extensive green roofs, gravel gardens, and dry meadow plantings where other grasses fail.
The seed heads are the show
The distinctive horizontal seed heads resemble tiny eyelashes or hovering mosquitoes. They appear in mid-summer and persist well into autumn, catching the light beautifully.
Leave it standing all winter
The old stems provide subtle winter texture and protect the crown from frost damage. Cut back only in late February.
Divide every four to five years
Clumps slowly expand but rarely need dividing. If the centre thins out, lift and divide in early spring, replanting vigorous outer sections.
