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Blue grama

Bouteloua gracilis

grass View on Calscape

Care

Sun

full sun, part shade

Water

very low

Soil

Fast, Medium; Tolerates a variety of soils as long as adequate drainage is provided.

Size

0–2ft tall , 2–2ft wide

Bloom

Jun-Aug

Deer

Resistant

Container

Friendly

Native Range

Desert grasslands and scrub in northeastern California and the Modoc Plateau, 4000-6000 ft elevation, extending east to the Great Plains.

Care Guide

Planting

Plant blue grama in full sun in a location with fast or medium drainage - this is non-negotiable, as soggy soil will kill it. Space plants about 1 to 1.5 feet apart to match their natural root spread, and amend heavy clay soil with compost or sand if needed to improve drainage. Plant in spring or fall for best establishment. This grass tolerates a wide range of soil types as long as water drains quickly, so don't overthink soil fertility.

After Planting

Water twice monthly during the first summer to establish deep roots (it will eventually reach 3 to 6 feet down), then cut back to almost nothing once established - mature plants need water only during extreme drought. In winter when the plant goes dormant, you can cut it back if you like, but it's not necessary. The #1 mistake is overwatering: blue grama evolved on the Great Plains and despises wet feet, so err on the side of dry rather than moist.

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