Northwest Blooms · Perennials
Bouteloua gracilis 'Blonde Ambition'
Blonde Ambition Blue Grama Grass
- Family
- Poaceae
- Height
- 30 to 36 inches
- Width
- 30 to 36 inches
- Flower color
- Chartreuse aging to blonde
- Foliage color
- Blue-green
- Bloom time
- Mid to late summer
- Light
- Full sun
- Water
- 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
- Attracts butterflies; ground-feeding birds enjoy the seeds; deer resistant
About this plant
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.
Works well in
Borders · Sun Gardens · Pollinator Gardens · Bird Gardens · Waterwise Gardens
Companion plants
Asters · Catmint · Coreopsis · Bearded irises · Bee balm · Yarrow
Design tip
Summer flowers carry the middle of the season, so place it where the bed needs color once spring bulbs fade. In full sun it holds its shape best, and grouping several together keeps the color strong enough to be seen from across the garden.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at the Bellevue Botanical Garden.
