Bouteloua gracilis Blonde Ambition
Blonde Ambition Blue Grama Grass
Details
Blonde Ambition Blue Grama Grass (Bouteloua gracilis Blonde Ambition) is an exceptionally large growing selection of our native Blue Grama Grass, and has 2 1/2 to 3 ft. tall stems of flowers that mature to long lasting blonde seed heads. These flag-like flowers rise up out of the blue-green foliage in mid-summer and are held on stiff, weather resistant stems. 'Blonde Ambition' Blue Grama Grass provides exceptional winter interest as the stems of seed heads pop up even after a heavy snow and remain standing through winter, giving the grass 6 to 8 months of garden color and texture.
Seldom does a new grass selection offer the gardener something so completely different and exciting. Its profusion of big, showy chartreuse flowers, held horizontally above the leaves is unlike any other ornamental grass in cultivation. This beauty is extremely cold hardy, grows in a wide range of soil types and is a perfect choice for low maintenance home or commercial landscapes. 'Blonde Ambition' Grass is native to 26 states and performs well across the country, particularly in hardiness zones 4-9. Cut back old stems to 2-3” above ground-level in mid-spring. Divide every third year. Discovered and introduced by David Salman of High Country Gardens. (Propagated by division). 30-36" tall x 30-36" wide.
Plant Select Winner 2011; 2011 High Country Gardens Plant of the Year. Blonde Ambition Blue Grama Grass was named by the Plant Select gardeners' survey as the best perennial of 2013.
| Associated SKUs HBLDYXX |
27061 (Plant - 5" deep pot) 27061F (Plant - Flat of 18) |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Blonde Ambition Blue Grama Grass |
| Botanical Name | Bouteloua gracilis Blonde Ambition PP#22,048 |
| Zones | 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 |
| Light Requirements | Full Sun |
| Mature Height | 30-36" tall |
| Mature Spread | 30-36" wide |
| Bloom Time | Mid to late summer |
| Native | Yes |
| Planting Time | Spring / Summer, Fall |
| Soil Type | Clay Soil, Sandy Soil, Average Soil |
| Soil Moisture | Drought Resistant / Waterwise |
| Amount of Rain | 10 to 20", 20 to 30", 30 to 40" (with care) |
| Advantages | Native |
| Special Groups | High Country Gardens Introduction |
| Ideal Region | Anywhere In The US, Northeast, Midwest, Southwest, West, Pacific Northwest |
| Neonicotinoid-Free | Yes - Learn More |
| Ships to Hawaii, Alaska & Canada | No |
Planting Guides
Cutting back Blonde Ambition Blue Grama Grass (Bouteloua gracilis Blonde Ambition) should be done in mid-spring when the new green grass blades begin to sprout from the crown. The stems holding the seed heads are very resilient and stay upright even after a snowy winter, so the grass looks good until mid-spring.
Cut back to a height of 2 to 3 inches above ground level and scratch out the crown with gloved hands to loosen thatch and make room for the new growth to push up and out.
Mulching: Blonde Ambition (and many ornamental grasses) don't need mulching. But if planted in a mulched bed, Blonde Ambition is very adaptable as to the type of mulch. We recommend that the mulch layer around the plant be thin (less than an inch deep).
View more Planting Guides, or download our complete Planting Guide for tips on caring for your plants when you receive your order, as well as planting instructions for Perennials, Spring-Planted Bulbs, Fall-Planted Bulbs, Cacti & Succulents, Xeric Plants and more.
Shipping
Plant Shipping: Buy now and we will ship your order at the ideal planting time for your region. Fall shipping begins the week of September 5, zones 3-4 first. Most plant orders arrive within 3-5 days, or less, of leaving our greenhouses. This prompt delivery is provided without additional express charges.
Grass Plugs & Seed: Most orders ship within 5-8 business days (all zones).
Gardening Goods:All non-plant items ship within 2-3 days.
Standard shipping costs are $4.99 and up, depending on the size of the order.
Make Fast Even Faster: For ‘Rush’ same week delivery, please call customer service at 800-925-9387.
Reviewsby PowerReviews
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 22 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Attractive (20)
- Hardy (17)
- Healthy (17)
- Accurate instructions (14)
- Versatile (7)
Cons
Best Uses
- Garden (18)
- Outdoors (16)
- Lawn (4)
- Patio (4)
- Pool area (4)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Avid gardener (14), Getting started (4), Master gardener (4)
- Primary use:
- Personal (21)
Most Liked Positive Review
NOT your regular bouteloua
I live at 7000' in Flagstaff AZ. I love my native Blue Grama grass and thought, what's the deal about blonde ambition? WELL. It has a tighter growth pattern, more impressive seed...Read complete review
I live at 7000' in Flagstaff AZ. I love my native Blue Grama grass and thought, what's the deal about blonde ambition? WELL. It has a tighter growth pattern, more impressive seed heads, and best of all, once the weather turns cold, it stays upright and turns an incredible reddish orange. I love love love this grass. I'm only in my second year of it and cannot wait until it starts peaking next year.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Uncertain
No sign of life yet this year, but perhaps it's early. I planted them mid-summer and they did all right: not a lot of growth, but it was very hot. We have...Read complete review
No sign of life yet this year, but perhaps it's early. I planted them mid-summer and they did all right: not a lot of growth, but it was very hot. We have Very Poor soil.
Reviewed by 22 customers
Displaying reviews 1-22
Pros
- Accurate Instructions
- Attractive
- Hardy
- Healthy
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Garden
- Outdoors
- Patio
- Pool Area
- Sculptural aspect
Comments about High Country Gardens Bouteloua gracilis Blonde Ambition:
What a great plant. Love the horizontal eyelashes! Very healthy on arrival and thrived in the nursery bed!
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Accurate Instructions
- Attractive
- Healthy
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Garden
- Outdoors
- Patio
Comments about High Country Gardens Bouteloua gracilis Blonde Ambition:
Was less 'blonde' than I thought it would be, but was healthy and established pretty quickly. I don't know if it made it through the winter yet; it's still too cold for it to come out of dormancy if it did. If It lives, I am getting some more.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Attractive
- Hardy
- Healthy
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about High Country Gardens Bouteloua gracilis Blonde Ambition:
Bought 3 plants for texture in my rock garden. Just last week had to move and divide due to their size and to appreciate the movement of the grasses better as they were crammed between other plants. Extremely happy with the grass...moves beautifully in the breeze!
Pros
- Accurate Instructions
- Attractive
- Hardy
- Healthy
Cons
- Small In Size
Best Uses
- Garden
- Outdoors
Comments about High Country Gardens Bouteloua gracilis Blonde Ambition:
These grasses are doing well in heavy clay soil with very little water. Sunlight is also limited in our foggy California Central Coast location. Their growth rate is slow under these conditions, but they are healthy and I'm looking forward to their bloom period.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
- Garden
- Outdoors
Comments about High Country Gardens Bouteloua gracilis Blonde Ambition:
I planted Blonde Ambition as a landscape specimen, expecting that it would eventually spread. Of the four plants that I bought, only two are greening up this Spring. The other two appear to be dead. All are in the same area and receive the same care. I am not sure if it was the winter that killed them, or if they were not the healthiest of plants when they arrived. I am usually satisfied with your products, but disappointed about these.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Hardy
Cons
Best Uses
- Garden
- Outdoors
Comments about High Country Gardens Bouteloua gracilis Blonde Ambition:
I was relieved this lovely grass survived our very long, cold winter. It is still very small - hardly yet even an inch high. I'm eager for it to grow.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Accurate Instructions
- Attractive
- Hardy
- Healthy
Cons
- Slow Start
Best Uses
- Garden
Comments about High Country Gardens Bouteloua gracilis Blonde Ambition:
The Blonde Ambition gracilis is a really lovely grass. I grouped 6-7, staggered along either side of a path. Love how the grass heads stand out, nice effect!! In northern Wyoming, the plants were slow to get new growth but picked up nicely after settling. The deer & rabbits don't like them either. Been over a year and they are flourishing. Definitely a favorite!
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Attractive
- Fast Growing
- Healthy
Cons
Best Uses
- Garden
- Outdoors
- Winter Interest
Comments about High Country Gardens Bouteloua gracilis Blonde Ambition:
My 3 little plants arrived healty looking, but small. I thought I'd be waiting a couple years for a big show. But I was wrong! They ended the season as tall, full clumps of grass. I am leaving them for winter interest because the seed heads are so pretty! I'm so pleased with my choice.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Accurate Instructions
- Attractive
- Hardy
- Healthy
Cons
Best Uses
- Garden
Comments about High Country Gardens Bouteloua gracilis Blonde Ambition:
Many, many Californians are ripping out thirsty lawns and planting low water landscapes. The Blond
Ambition grass is one of my new plants and it seems to like our hot valley climate. I like the floaty seed heads, they are horizontal and move nicely in a breeze. This is their first winter, but the plants are attractive . I'm happy
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Attractive
- Hardy
- Healthy
Cons
Best Uses
- Garden
- Outdoors
Comments about High Country Gardens Bouteloua gracilis Blonde Ambition:
This plant is different from anything else I have in my garden - that is why I like it so much. It looking like something from another plant and that is what makes it fun and enjoyable.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Accurate Instructions
- Attractive
- Healthy
- Humorous
Cons
Best Uses
- Garden
- Outdoors
- Pool Area
Comments about High Country Gardens Bouteloua gracilis Blonde Ambition:
I only bought one of these as its an experiment to see if it survives in New England. This plant doubled in size this summer and if it makes it through the winter I have high hopes for it and plan to buy more.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Attractive
- Hardy
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Outdoors
Comments about High Country Gardens Bouteloua gracilis Blonde Ambition:
Planted this in a rock border on the west side of the house, in sandy soil. It gets full sun all summer long. I watered it for the first 2 weeks and then left it be, other than a rare watering if I happened to have the hose out. It did great, went from a 3 wispy sprigs to a nice clump in just 1 summer.. Am definitely planning to buy more for other areas in the yard where I want some variety but don't want to water.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Accurate Instructions
- Attractive
- Hardy
- Healthy
- One Tough Plant
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Garden
- Outdoors
Comments about High Country Gardens Bouteloua gracilis Blonde Ambition:
I saw this grass used in lieu of a lawn in California. We have simlar soil in the Austin Tx area. this plant has seen extreme weather and is thriving! from torrential down pours to extreme heat and drought it has toughed it out. Not one plant died. I wish we had bought more.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Attractive
- Hardy
Cons
Best Uses
- Garden
- Outdoors
Comments about High Country Gardens Bouteloua gracilis Blonde Ambition:
Absolutely beautiful! Does great here in Zone 4.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Accurate Instructions
- Attractive
- Hardy
- Healthy
Cons
Best Uses
- Garden
- Lawn
- Outdoors
Comments about High Country Gardens Bouteloua gracilis Blonde Ambition:
I xeriscape our front yard with Blonde Ambition. It out performs any full-sun grass. It establishes easily and quickly and requires almost no extra water.
The little fluffy seed heads are beautiful year-round.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Accurate Instructions
- Attractive
- Hardy
- Healthy
Cons
Best Uses
- Garden
- Outdoors
Comments about High Country Gardens Bouteloua gracilis Blonde Ambition:
Everyone comment on how much this beauty looked in the garden last year. It is an excellent back drop to my desert flowers. This is it's second year is and came back great.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Accurate Instructions
- Attractive
- Hardy
- Healthy
Cons
Best Uses
- Garden
- Lawn
- Outdoors
Comments about High Country Gardens Bouteloua gracilis Blonde Ambition:
this was a plant in the Hero Habitat I purchased and the extras I bought were used to augment a larger area
- Primary use:
- Personal
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Images shared by Mary Mary Quite Contrary
Plant before planting in the garden
(5 of 5 customers found this review helpful)
Was this review helpful? Yes / No
- You may also flag this review
Pros
- Accurate Instructions
- Attractive
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about High Country Gardens Bouteloua gracilis Blonde Ambition:
No sign of life yet this year, but perhaps it's early. I planted them mid-summer and they did all right: not a lot of growth, but it was very hot. We have Very Poor soil.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Attractive
- Hardy
- Healthy
Cons
Best Uses
- Garden
Comments about High Country Gardens Bouteloua gracilis Blonde Ambition:
The first year I grew this in a pot. It did well and the unusual blooms provided an interesting accent. This spring it is planted in the border. It is coming up and looking like it will do even better in the ground.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Accurate Instructions
- Attractive
- Hardy
- Healthy
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Garden
- Lawn
- Outdoors
- Patio
- Pool Area
Comments about High Country Gardens Bouteloua gracilis Blonde Ambition:
naturally beautiful up/outwards growth, very healthy and hardy and a sturdy grass (a yr later going strong/steady growing)! And comes with money back guarantee.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Accurate Instructions
- Attractive
- Hardy
- Healthy
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Garden
- Lawn
- Outdoors
- Patio
- Pool Area
Comments about High Country Gardens Bouteloua gracilis Blonde Ambition:
I live at 7000' in Flagstaff AZ. I love my native Blue Grama grass and thought, what's the deal about blonde ambition? WELL. It has a tighter growth pattern, more impressive seed heads, and best of all, once the weather turns cold, it stays upright and turns an incredible reddish orange. I love love love this grass. I'm only in my second year of it and cannot wait until it starts peaking next year.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Images shared by Ruby Colorado
Blonde Ambition in Winter, 7000', zone 4
(8 of 9 customers found this review helpful)
Was this review helpful? Yes / No
- You may also flag this review
Pros
- Accurate Instructions
- Attractive
- Hardy
- Healthy
- Versatile
Cons
- I Didnt Buy Enough
Best Uses
Comments about High Country Gardens Bouteloua gracilis Blonde Ambition:
Triples height/width in 3 months in some generic potting mix, mixed with the yard dirt of clay soil, just planted next to cinder block wall in backyard/alley, full sun all times- all plants thrives well in oven like 120 degrees/winter temp of 18 degree (so far) desert conditions by the White Sands. I did not keep moist after 2 months, occasionally water though after they stabilized/settled. Plants are guaranteed, style of starter pots the grass arrived/grows in and the ingenious design of damaged proof shipping container/packaging the plants are amazing...very well thought out and works! All emails answered within hours.
I planted this with silky grass also found on this site...
the picture shown here is many plants, alone they seem sparse being grass like stalks, their first year... mine have grew up then gently spread upwards/outwards they are not clustered in patches, like them that way you can see the movement/flutters/actual plant and how it changes....
- Primary use:
- Personal
Displaying reviews 1-22
Q & A
Suggested Companion Plants:
USDA Hardiness Planting Zones
To determine if a plant is sufficiently cold hardy, the USDA created numbered zones indicating winter low temperatures; the lower the zone number the colder the winter.
- If the coldest winter temperature expected in your area is -15°F (zone 5) then any plants rated zones 3-5 will survive the winter temperatures in your area.
- If you live in very warm winter areas (zones 9-11) plants with zones 3-4 ratings are not recommended. The lack of freezing winter temperatures do not provide a time for winter dormancy (rest).
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