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Key characteristics

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

Perennials

Bouteloua gracilis 'Blonde Ambition'

Blonde Ambition Blue Grama Grass

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.

Light

Full sun

Water

Low; drought-tolerant once established

Bloom time

Mid to late summer

Find this plant

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.