December Perennial of the Month-Blue grama grass

It’s the time of year when we talk about ‘winter interest’ again. Gardens with primarily perennial plantings can look fantastic from spring through fall. But once the freezes set in and most perennials turn to mush, the only interest is UN-interest. Winter is the time of year when your garden shows its true structure. And need I remind you that winter in St. Louis is at least two months longer than we would prefer on many levels!

This is why ornamental grasses are tops in winter interest as far as perennials are concerned. One that has caught my eye over the past few years is blue grama grass, Bouteloua gracilis.
Blue grama, a drought-resistant native grass, has become more popular in the trade. Public spaces are using it more, most notably the cultivar ‘Blonde Ambition.’

Growing to only 12-14″, blue grama is easily managed and won’t get out of hand like some of the larger ornamental grasses. The seed heads are unique and showy, appearing in summer and persisting through winter, and adding a few more inches to the plant’s height. Full sun is a must. Native grama grass prefers open prairie or plains and is highly drought resistant once established-something to keep in mind if mixed in with your other perennials.

The ‘Blonde Ambition’ cultivar grows a bit taller, 28- 32″, and was discovered in Santa Fe, New Mexico, at an elevation of 6,800 ft. Despite the climate and terrain differences, it’s adapted well to the Upper Mid-West. Blue grama grass might be your answer if you have a well-drained problem spot in full sun.

What I love about this plant;
-It’s a native!
-Once established-extremely drought resistant
-Can be used as turf grass and mown to 2″.
-High pest and disease resistance.
-Great for naturalizing and problematic sunny, well-drained spots in the landscape.

What’s not so great;
-Blue grama grass is not considered invasive, but it can reseed if conditions are right.
-If used ornamentally, an once-a-year hair cut is required to keep it tidy. This is best done in late winter or early spring to benefit from the showy flower heads during winter.
-Division is necessary about every 3-5 years when the center of the clump starts to thin. This is best done in early spring or late winter.

Comments or questions? Email Garden-Lou at gardenloustl@gmail.com

Words and photos by Jo Batzer

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