Common Blue Grama Grass

Light Needs

Full Sun

(At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

1-2 Feet

Mature Spread

1-2 Feet

Growing Zones

3 to 10

Images Courtesy of Missouri Botanical Garden

Blooming from June through August, the Common Blue Grama Grass is ideal for adding some summer and fall interest. Growing up to two feet high, it develops blue-green blades, which turn red-orange in the fall. Red-tinged flowers appear and take on a straw-like hue as they fade. Requiring little ongoing care, this Bouteloua gracilis is easy to grow in the right conditions. 

Common Blue Grama Grass can cope with most soils and is even drought tolerant. Native to North America, this ornamental grass is well suited to growing in zones 3 to 10. It forms dense clumps over time and is perfect for naturalizing, prairie planting, or growing in a container. 

Common Blue Grama Grass Care

Best grown in full sun, the hardy Blue Grama is happy in any soil with any pH as long as it is free draining. You will need to water it until it has established, after which it can tolerate dry conditions. Fertilization is not required; however, you can improve the soil when planting if the existing fertility is low. 

Being wonderfully low-maintenance, little ongoing care of Blue Grama Grass is needed once established. Simply cut back any old foliage to soil level in late winter before the new growth emerges. 

Common Blue Grama Grass Spacing

Blue Grama can grow between 9 to 24 inches tall and 18 to 24 inches across. When planting out, a spacing of 20 to 24 inches between plants is recommended.