{"product_id":"blonde-ambition-blue-grama-grass-bouteloua-gracilis-blonde-ambition","title":"Bouteloua gracilis ‘Blonde Ambition’ - Blonde Ambition Blue Grama Grass","description":"\u003ch2\u003eTransform Your Garden with Award-Winning Drought-Tolerant Beauty\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBouteloua gracilis ‘Blonde Ambition’ gives you a striking, water-wise ornamental grass with fine blue green foliage, chartreuse summer flowers, and blonde seed heads that typically remain upright through fall, winter, and even early winter snow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlso known as Blonde Ambition Blue Grama Grass, this warm season native blue grama grass is a perfect choice for dry soil, full sun gardens, and low-maintenance landscapes. Introduced by David Salman of High Country Gardens in Santa Fe, ‘Blonde Ambition’ was awarded the 2011 Plant Select® Winner for exceptional garden performance in low water conditions and strong pest resistance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy You’ll Love It\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExceptional drought tolerance\u003c\/strong\u003e – Once established, Blonde Ambition Blue Grama Grass has low to xeric water needs and thrives with minimal to no supplemental watering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDistinctive blonde seed heads\u003c\/strong\u003e – ‘Blonde Ambition’ produces unique, flag-like horizontal seed heads resembling eyelashes, which turn from chartreuse to creamy blonde as they mature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYear-round garden interest\u003c\/strong\u003e – The stiff flowering stems rise above the foliage and remain upright into winter, with weather resistant stems that can stand even after heavy snow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVery low maintenance\u003c\/strong\u003e – No fertilizing is typically needed, mulching is not necessary, and old stems can be cut back to 2-3 inches above ground level in mid-spring when new growth begins to emerge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNative ecological value\u003c\/strong\u003e – This native ornamental grass is highly deer-resistant and provides ecological benefits by acting as a keystone species for biodiversity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe foliage consists of fine-textured, thin blue-green leaves that form a neat mound and turn golden-tan in autumn, sometimes showing golden brown or orange tones depending on climate. Its seed heads are also popular for fresh and dried floral arrangements because they retain their shape and color.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat Makes It Different\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost ornamental grasses rely on regular water, vertical plumes, or heavy seasonal maintenance to look good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBouteloua gracilis ‘Blonde Ambition’\u003c\/strong\u003e offers:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHorizontal seed heads on only one side of the stem\u003c\/strong\u003e – Instead of upright plumes, the flowers and seed heads sit like tiny flags or eyelashes, creating unusual texture and motion in the garden.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMore robust than standard blue grama\u003c\/strong\u003e – The cultivar ‘Blonde Ambition’ is larger and more robust than the standard species of Bouteloua gracilis, reaching a strong medium height for borders, drifts, and naturalized areas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAward-winning dry garden performance\u003c\/strong\u003e – Discovered and introduced by David Salman of High Country Gardens, this Plant Select grass was selected for low water use, pest resistance, and dependable beauty.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCold tolerant for a warm season grass\u003c\/strong\u003e – ‘Blonde Ambition’ is cold hardy to USDA Zones 4 through 9, giving gardeners more resilience than many warm season grasses.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlue grama is a dominant grass of the dry shortgrass prairies of the Great Plains and Southwest, and it is sometimes called mosquito grass. This selection keeps the rugged nature of the species while adding a bolder, more ornamental look for modern cultivation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow To Grow Bouteloua Gracilis Blonde Ambition Successfully\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlant in full sun and well drained soil\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eChoose a site with full sun, ideally 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. ‘Blonde Ambition’ performs best in well drained soil and adapts to many soil types, including sandy, rocky, gravelly, and lean dry prairies-style soils. Avoid wet, heavy soils.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater regularly during the first season\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGive the plant consistent sun water support during establishment so the dense, fibrous root system can develop. Those roots help anchor hillside soils, making this grass useful for soil erosion control in dry landscape settings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEnjoy drought-tolerant color and structure\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBy mid summer, chartreuse horizontal flowers rise on tall flowering stems. By fall, they mature into blonde seed heads that typically remain through winter for long-lasting texture, movement, and seasonal interest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor best results, plant in spring after the soil begins to warm or in early fall where winters are not severe. Once mature, Blonde Ambition Blue Grama Grass is drought resistant, requires minimal care, and fits beautifully into xeriscaping, rock gardens, native plantings, and low maintenance landscapes alongside other \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/autumn-moor-grass-sesleria-autumnalis\"\u003elow-maintenance ornamental grasses like Autumn Moor Grass\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/calamagrostis-karl-foerster\"\u003eKarl Foerster Feather Reed Grass\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eProduct Details\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bouteloua gracilis ‘Blonde Ambition’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Names:\u003c\/strong\u003e Blonde Ambition Blue Grama Grass, blue grama grass, mosquito grass\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Warm season perennial native ornamental grass\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMature Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2.5-3 feet tall and wide\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFoliage:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fine, thin blue green leaves forming a neat mound; turns golden-tan to golden brown in autumn\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFlowers \/ Seed Heads:\u003c\/strong\u003e Chartreuse horizontal flowers transform into blonde seed heads by fall\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBloom Time:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mid-summer, with seed heads lasting through fall, winter, and early winter\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness Zones:\u003c\/strong\u003e USDA Zones 4-9\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSun Requirements:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun, 6+ hours daily; 6 to 8 hours is ideal\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Needs:\u003c\/strong\u003e Low to xeric once established\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e Well drained soil; tolerant of varied soil types but not soggy ground\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePatent Information:\u003c\/strong\u003e PP#22,048\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaintenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cut back old stems to 2-3 inches above ground level in mid-spring when new shoots and new growth begin to sprout\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMulch:\u003c\/strong\u003e Not required; if used, keep mulch thin, less than an inch deep, to avoid suffocating the plant\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Blonde Ambition’ can freely self seeds in favorable conditions, but it is not considered an aggressive spreader in most managed gardens. The grass is suitable for use in prairie and native plantings, looking best when planted in groups or drifts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It’s For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIdeal for:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCalifornia homeowners seeking drought tolerant landscaping solutions\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGardeners who want a low-maintenance ornamental grass with strong winter structure\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLandscape designers creating sustainable, water-wise gardens that may also feature \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/collections\/flowering-trees\"\u003eflowering trees suited to California landscapes\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNative plant enthusiasts looking for blue grama with standout seed heads, as well as compact flowering trees like \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/little-gem-dwarf-southern-magnolia-magnolia-grandiflora-little-gem\"\u003eLittle Gem Dwarf Southern Magnolia\u003c\/a\u003e or fragrant climbers such as \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/star-jasmine-trachelospermum-jasminoides\"\u003eStar Jasmine vines\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHomeowners working with dry soil, rock gardens, slopes, or naturalized areas who may want structured evergreens such as \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/buxus-winter-gem\"\u003eWinter Gem Boxwood\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you want a cold tolerant, drought tolerant, native grass that delivers texture, flowers, blonde seed heads, and wildlife value without constant irrigation, Bouteloua gracilis Blonde Ambition fits your garden.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhen should I cut back Blonde Ambition grass?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCut back old stems of Bouteloua gracilis ‘Blonde Ambition’ to 2-3 inches above ground level in mid-spring when new growth begins to emerge. You can inspect old foliage in late winter, but wait until you see new shoots if you want the cleanest timing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow often does this grass need water once established?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOnce established, ‘Blonde Ambition’ has low to xeric water needs and is extremely drought-tolerant. Water regularly during the first season, then reduce irrigation significantly unless your garden experiences prolonged drought.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill it spread aggressively in my garden?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo, Blonde Ambition is a clumping perennial grass. It may freely self seeds in ideal conditions, but volunteer seedlings are usually manageable and easy to remove with gloved hands.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I grow it in containers or just in-ground?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. It can grow in containers, rock gardens, borders, slopes, prairie plantings, and naturalized areas as long as it gets full sun and well drained soil. Use a pot with drainage and avoid heavy, waterlogged soils.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow long do the blonde seed heads last?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe unique seed heads of ‘Blonde Ambition’ turn from chartreuse to creamy blonde as they mature and often remain through fall into winter. The stiff stems can stay upright after heavy snowfall, giving the garden valuable winter interest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eReady to Create Your Drought-Tolerant Garden?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChoose \u003cstrong\u003eBouteloua gracilis ‘Blonde Ambition’\u003c\/strong\u003e for a resilient, native, award-winning grass with blue green foliage, blond seed heads, and dependable beauty from summer through winter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYardwork can help you select the right quantity for drifts, borders, containers, or full water-wise garden designs through their \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/pages\/plant-nursery-near-me\"\u003eCalifornia plant nursery and landscaping services\u003c\/a\u003e. Ask about California shipping options, plant care support, and guidance for matching Blonde Ambition with other drought tolerant grasses and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/purple-fountain-grass-pennisetum-setaceum-rubrum\"\u003eornamental plants like Purple Fountain Grass\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Yardwork Nursery","offers":[{"title":"5 Gallon","offer_id":41720139972781,"sku":"","price":55.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0514\/8809\/6429\/products\/Boutelouagracilis_BlondeAmbition.png?v=1707260944","url":"https:\/\/www.useyardwork.com\/products\/blonde-ambition-blue-grama-grass-bouteloua-gracilis-blonde-ambition","provider":"Yardwork","version":"1.0","type":"link"}