Bouteloua, Blue Grama 'Minnesota Native'

Bouteloua, Blue Grama 'Minnesota Native'
Bouteloua, Blue Grama 'Minnesota Native'
Bouteloua, Blue Grama 'Minnesota Native'
Sun Preference
Full-Sun
Bloom or Harvest Time
July, August
As low as: $0.00

Description

Blue grama is a short grass that grows in distinct clumps with small attractive seedheads. Dry to medium soils.

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Details

Blue Grama | Bouteloua gracilis

Plant Height:  15 inches

Flower Height:  20 inches

Spread:  24 inches

Sunlight:    

Hardiness Zone:  3a

Other Names:  Mosquito Grass

Brand:  Gertens

Description:

A tufted, native grass producing horizontal, eyelash-like, reddish-purple flowers that give way to tan seed heads that persist through winter; blue-green foliage turns hues of golden brown in fall; use as a border accent or groundcover

Ornamental Features

Blue Grama features airy spikes of purple flowers with red overtones rising above the foliage from early to mid summer. Its attractive grassy leaves are bluish-green in color. As an added bonus, the foliage turns gorgeous shades of gold, brown and orange in the fall. The tan seed heads are carried on showy spikes displayed in abundance from late summer to mid winter.

Landscape Attributes

Blue Grama is an herbaceous perennial grass with tall flower stalks held atop a low mound of foliage. It brings an extremely fine and delicate texture to the garden composition and should be used to full effect.

This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and is best cleaned up in early spring before it resumes active growth for the season. It is a good choice for attracting birds to your yard. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

  • Self-Seeding

Blue Grama is recommended for the following landscape applications;

  • Mass Planting
  • General Garden Use
  • Groundcover
  • Naturalizing And Woodland Gardens

Planting & Growing

Blue Grama will grow to be about 15 inches tall at maturity extending to 20 inches tall with the flowers, with a spread of 24 inches. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 5 years. As an herbaceous perennial, this plant will usually die back to the crown each winter, and will regrow from the base each spring. Be careful not to disturb the crown in late winter when it may not be readily seen!

This plant should only be grown in full sunlight. It prefers to grow in average to dry locations, and dislikes excessive moisture. It is considered to be drought-tolerant, and thus makes an ideal choice for a low-water garden or xeriscape application. It is not particular as to soil pH, but grows best in poor soils. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This species is native to parts of North America.

More Information

Bloom or Harvest Time July, August
Sun Preference Full-Sun
USDA Hardiness Zone 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Common Family Name Grass
Mature Spread (Range) 12" - 24"
Mature Height (Range) 13" - 24"

Product Questions (15)

Gertens carries annuals, perennials, shrubs, trees, water plants, house plants, edibles, cacti/succulents, seasonal blooming holiday plants and a wide variety of bulbs and seeds!
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Annuals are plants that complete their life cycle in one growing season (spring – fall/frost). Perennials are plants that live for more than two growing seasons. They die back in winter and re-emerge in spring. ...
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Hardiness is the capacity of a cultivated plant to withstand adverse conditions, usually its tolerance of low temperature. Plants are given a hardiness rating by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 11 zones based on the coldest or warmest temperature...
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A short list of perennials that will attract butterflies includes Yarrow, Coneflowers, Blazing Star, Asters, Milkweed, Butterfly weed, Black-eyed Susan and Bee balm aka Monarda. These are all hardy to Minnesota. Check ...
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A short list of perennials that do well in shade include Coral Bell, Astilbe, Aralia, Snakeroot, Hosta, Ferns, Bleeding Hearts and more. To view more perennials found at Gertens, click ...
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Yes, an unheated garage should be just enough extra protection for zone 5 plants. Don’t let the plant dry out for long periods, water it about once a month. To find out what hardiness zone you are in, click ...
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Yes, you can overwater plants. Especially in pots but also in the ground, however, planting in the ground allows for better water dispersion so the odds of overwatering are less. Low lying areas may be more prone to flooding. Areas with clay soil also...
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A rough estimate for the last frost date here in zone 4b is the first week of May. This is not exact, as Minnesota weather can be variable, but it does help for plantings.
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Monarch butterflies are attracted to all types of native Milkweed. The female Monarch lays her eggs only on Milkweeds - plants in the Asclepias genus - where the caterpillars will hatch, feed and grow before forming a chrysalis. Adults also love Butterfly...
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A perennial that is less hardy to your hardiness zone can be brought indoors for winter in a pot appropriate for its size. You don’t want the plant roots to dry out for long periods, but don’t let the soil be soggy. Water about once a month and watch...
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Hummingbirds drink nectar through their long tongue and prefer to drink out of long tubular flowers. A Mandevilla plant is a great example. ...
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Generally, Japanese beetles are not going after the perennials. They like trees, roses, vines. Grape vines are one of their favorites, as are roses. But they have been seen on milkweed flowers, green bean leaves and more. Japanese...
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Bees love any plant that they can get nectar from such as tubes or little flowers. Butterflies like a flat surface that they can get into. A short list for both bees and butterflies includes: Yarrow, Coneflowers, Blazing Star, Asters, Milkweed, Butterfly...
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Once you get the plant home, dig a hole in the ground twice as wide as the pot it’s in. Loosen the soil, and then pat root stimulator on the roots. Plant in the hole at the same...
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Use ant repellents.  Terro = Grease Ants Revenge = Garden Ants NOTE: Before bringing...
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