Blonde Ambition Grass (Bouteloua gracilis ‘Blonde Ambition’), a striking ornamental grass, is prized for its unique blonde seed heads that add texture and movement to any landscape. A cultivar of Blue Grama Grass, it is drought-tolerant, low-maintenance, and perfect for xeriscaping, prairie-style gardens, or modern landscapes.

This guide provides all the essential information to grow and maintain Blonde Ambition Grass successfully.

1. Understanding Blonde Ambition Grass

Characteristics

• Height & Spread: Grows 2-3 feet tall and 18-24 inches wide.
• Foliage: Fine-textured blue-green leaves that turn golden in fall.
• Flowers: Unique horizontal seed heads resembling eyelashes, appearing in summer.
• Growth Habit: Clump-forming, non-invasive.
• Lifespan: Long-lived perennial.

2. Choosing the Right Location

Light Requirements

• Prefers full sun (6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily).
• Can tolerate partial shade, but flowering may be reduced.

Soil Preferences

• Thrives in well-draining soil.
• Adaptable to a range of soil types, including:
  • Sandy soil
  • Loam
  • Rocky or gravelly soil
• pH range: Neutral to slightly alkaline (6.5 – 8.0).

Drought Tolerance

• Extremely drought-tolerant once established.
• Ideal for xeriscaping and low-water gardens.

3. Planting Blonde Ambition Grass

Best Planting Time

• Spring or early fall is the best time to plant.
• Avoid planting during peak summer heat.

How to Plant

1. Prepare the Soil: Loosen the soil and remove weeds.
2. Dig a Hole: Make it twice the width of the root ball but no deeper than the root system.
3. Place the Plant: Position it so the crown is at soil level.
4. Backfill Gently: Fill the hole, pressing soil lightly around the roots.
5. Water Thoroughly: Provide deep watering to help roots establish.
6. Mulch: Apply a light layer of gravel or organic mulch to retain moisture.

4. Watering Requirements

• New Plants: Water deeply once a week until established.
• Established Plants:
  • Requires minimal watering.
  • Water every 2-3 weeks in dry periods.
• Avoid overwatering, as it prefers dry conditions.
• Best practice: Water at the base early in the morning.

5. Fertilization Needs

• Generally does not require fertilizer.
• If soil is poor, apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer (10-10-10) in early spring.
• Over-fertilization can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.

6. Pruning and Maintenance

When to Prune

• Late winter or early spring, before new growth emerges.
• Avoid cutting back in fall, as the seed heads add winter interest.

How to Prune

1. Trim back old foliage to 2-3 inches above the ground.
2. Remove dead or damaged growth.
3. Leave seed heads in winter for ornamental appeal and wildlife.

General Maintenance

• Low maintenance – requires minimal care once established.
• Remove weeds around the base to reduce competition.
• Divide clumps every 3-4 years to maintain vigor.

7. Propagation Methods

By Division

1. Best done in spring when growth resumes.
2. Dig up the plant and separate clumps into smaller sections.
3. Replant immediately in prepared soil.
4. Water well until established.

By Seed

1. Collect seeds in late summer from mature seed heads.
2. Sow seeds directly in the garden or in containers.
3. Keep soil lightly moist until germination.
4. Germination occurs in 2-4 weeks.

8. Pests and Diseases

Common Pests

• Aphids – Rare but can be controlled with insecticidal soap.
• Grasshoppers – Usually not damaging; encourage natural predators.

Common Diseases

• Root Rot – Caused by overwatering or poorly draining soil. Ensure proper drainage.
• Rust or Leaf Spot – Uncommon but can occur in humid conditions; improve air circulation.

9. Winter Care

• Extremely cold-hardy (USDA Zones 4-9).
• No need to cut back in fall; leave seed heads for winter interest.
• Mulching is not necessary, but a light layer can help in harsh winters.
• In early spring, cut back old growth to encourage new shoots.

10. Landscape Uses and Benefits

Ideal Uses

• Xeriscaping (low-water gardens)
• Modern landscapes
• Wildlife gardens (attracts birds and beneficial insects)
• Prairie-style gardens
• Erosion control (deep root system stabilizes soil)

Companion Plants

• Purple Coneflower (Echinacea) – Adds contrast.
• Russian Sage (Perovskia) – Complements airy seed heads.
• Lavender (Lavandula) – Creates a drought-tolerant garden theme.
• Sedums & Succulents – Ideal for rock gardens.

11. Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How fast does Blonde Ambition Grass grow?

• It grows moderately fast, reaching full height within a season.

Q: Does it self-seed?

• It can self-seed in ideal conditions, but it is not aggressive.

Q: Is Blonde Ambition Grass deer-resistant?

• Yes, it is highly deer-resistant.

Q: Can it be grown in containers?

• Yes! Use a large, well-draining pot for best results.

Q: How long do the seed heads last?

• Seed heads persist from summer through winter, adding seasonal interest.

Conclusion

Blonde Ambition Grass is a versatile, low-maintenance, and drought-tolerant ornamental grass that enhances any landscape with its unique, airy seed heads. By following proper planting, watering, and pruning techniques, you can enjoy this stunning grass year-round with minimal effort. Whether used in xeriscaping, borders, or modern gardens, this plant is a standout choice for both beginner and expert gardeners alike.

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