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Family: Grama
Type: Ornamental Grass
Other Common Name: Mosquito Grass
Blonde Ambition Blue Grama Grass (Bouteloua gracilis ‘Blonde Ambition’) is a standout ornamental grass known for its distinctive, flag-like seed heads and striking blue-green foliage. This perennial grass brings texture, movement, and a splash of color to any garden setting. Its resilient and adaptable nature makes it an excellent choice for a wide range of landscapes.
Easy to care for, Blonde Ambition thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It’s drought-tolerant once established, making it a fantastic option for water-wise gardens and xeriscaping. The plant’s unique appearance and hardiness contribute to its popularity among gardeners and landscape designers alike.
Reaching about 2 to 3 feet in height and spread, Blonde Ambition adds vertical interest without overwhelming. Its seed heads turn a bright blonde in the summer and remain attractive through fall and into winter, providing year-round interest. This grass is an ideal choice for adding texture and contrast to borders, beds, and naturalized areas.
Hardiness Zone: 3b-9b
Pet Friendly: Yes
Moisture Preference: Dry to moist
Sun Needs: Full sun
Growth Rate: Fast
Average Height (feet): 3
Average Spread (feet): 3
Average Life Span (years): 5
Form: Over mound
Flower Color: Green
Bloom Season: From early to mid summer
Foliage Color: Green
Leaf Fall Color: Yellow
Foliage Shape: Grassy
Incorporating Blonde Ambition into your landscaping can create a visually appealing and low-maintenance garden. Its upright growth and unique seed heads can serve as focal points or accents in various garden settings. Planting in groups or drifts maximizes visual impact, creating waves of texture and color.
Blonde Ambition pairs beautifully with other drought-tolerant plants, such as sedums and lavenders, for a cohesive, water-efficient garden design. Its blue-green foliage contrasts nicely with the silver and purple hues of these companions, enhancing the overall beauty of your outdoor space.
This grass is also an excellent choice for creating transitions and softening edges in the landscape. Use it to blend garden beds with natural areas or to edge pathways, where its movement and texture can be fully appreciated. Blonde Ambition’s adaptability and ornamental appeal make it a versatile addition to any garden.
In a modern garden, Blonde Ambition Blue Grama Grass adds texture and movement while maintaining clean lines and simplicity. Its architectural seed heads and upright form complement minimalist designs, bringing life and interest to sleek landscapes.
Blonde Ambition is a star in xeriscaping, requiring minimal water once established. It pairs well with other drought-resistant plants, creating a lush, low-water garden that thrives even in arid conditions.
This grass is perfect for naturalized meadow gardens, where its native, wild appearance enhances the beauty of informal, relaxed settings. Blonde Ambition's seed heads sway gracefully in the breeze, attracting birds and adding a sense of movement to the meadow.
Use Blonde Ambition to anchor a mixed perennial bed. Its height and structure provide a backdrop for lower-growing flowers, adding depth and interest to the garden composition.
Creating a border with Blonde Ambition Blue Grama Grass along walkways or driveways adds a touch of elegance and simplicity. Its linear growth and striking seed heads highlight these linear spaces beautifully.
Plant Blonde Ambition in containers for an easy-care, architectural statement on patios or balconies. Its adaptability and ornamental value shine in container gardens, where it can be appreciated up close.
In spring, Blonde Ambition Blue Grama Grass begins to emerge with bright green growth, setting the stage for the summer's display. This period of renewal brings fresh energy and anticipation to the garden.
Summer showcases Blonde Ambition at its peak, with vibrant blue-green foliage and distinctive blonde seed heads that catch the eye and the breeze. This season is when the grass truly becomes a focal point in the landscape.
In fall, the foliage of Blonde Ambition may take on golden hues, and its seed heads remain prominent, adding texture and interest to the autumn garden. Its resilience and lasting beauty are especially appreciated during this season.
Winter reveals the structural beauty of Blonde Ambition Blue Grama Grass. Its seed heads stand tall against the snow or barren landscape, providing visual interest and habitat for wildlife during the colder months.
Astilbe Chinensis 'Visions In White'
Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost'
Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle'
Blonde Ambition Blue Grama Grass thrives in locations with full sun to achieve optimal growth and seed head production. It’s perfect for sunny borders, open meadows, or any area that receives a good amount of daylight.
This grass requires full sun to flourish, needing at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Full sun exposure ensures the most vigorous growth and the best display of its distinctive seed heads.
Blonde Ambition prefers well-drained soil and is quite adaptable to different soil types, from clay to sandy soils. It's tolerant of poor soils, making it an excellent choice for challenging garden spots.
Plant Blonde Ambition Blue Grama Grass with a spacing of 18 to 24 inches apart. This allows each plant enough room to mature fully and ensures good air circulation, which is vital for plant health.
The best time to plant Blonde Ambition is in the spring, after the last frost, or in the early fall. Planting during these times allows the grass to establish itself before the extremes of summer heat or winter cold.
Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball of your grass. Place the plant in the hole so that the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Backfill the hole, firming the soil around the plant, and water well.
Water Blonde Ambition regularly after planting until it’s established. Once established, it’s drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering, making it perfect for water-wise gardens.
This grass benefits from a light application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. However, avoid over-fertilizing to prevent excessive foliage growth at the expense of seed head production.
Cut back Blonde Ambition Blue Grama Grass in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. This helps to maintain a tidy appearance and encourages vigorous growth.
Remove any dead foliage from the previous year to make way for new growth. Apply a light layer of compost around the base of the plants to encourage a healthy start to the season.
Blonde Ambition is drought-tolerant and generally requires little care in the summer. Keep an eye on young plants and water them if the weather is particularly dry.
Blonde Ambition continues to provide interest in the fall with its seed heads. No specific care is needed during this season, but you can begin to prepare for winter by gradually reducing watering.
After the first hard frost, you can leave the plants standing to add winter interest and provide habitat for wildlife. Prune back in late winter in preparation for spring.
Muhlenbergia capillaris 'Pink Cloud'
Juncus effusus 'Spiralis'
Helictotrichon sempervirens
Blonde Ambition is a perennial grass that can live for several years with proper care, becoming more robust and attractive as it matures.
Yes, Blonde Ambition can be divided in the spring every few years to rejuvenate older plants and propagate new ones. Division helps maintain vigor and allows you to spread its beauty to other parts of the garden.
No, Blonde Ambition Blue Grama Grass is not considered invasive. It’s a cultivar of a native grass, designed for ornamental use, and typically does not spread aggressively outside of its intended area.
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