Plant Type

Ground cover, Perennial, Grass

 

Height Range

Under 1'

 

Flower Color

Green, White

 

Flower Season

Summer, Fall

 

Leaf Color

Green, Yellow Green

 

Bark Color

n/a

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full

 

Water

Low

 

Growth Rate

Fast, Moderate

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular

 

Soil Condition

Average, Poor, Well-drained, Dry

 

Soil pH

Neutral, Basic

 

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

Japanese, Meadow, Mediterranean, Ranch, Spanish

 

Accenting Features

Showy Flowers, Silhouette

 

Seasonal Interest

Summer, Fall

 

Location Uses

Lawn, Parking Strip, Roadside, Walkways, With Rocks

 

Special Uses

Erosion Control, Mass Planting, Lawn Alternative, Naturalizing, Small Spaces

 

Attracts Wildlife

Birds

A vigorous selection of blue grama, it makes an ideal low water lawn. Grows about 4 to 15 inches tall; leave it unmowed for a natural look, or mow it for a soft, inviting lawn. It is a warm season grass, and so goes dormant during the cooler fall and spring months, and the winter. Plays very well with native perennials, so plant it with some prairie natives for a low-maintenance meadow. Blue grama has a charming little seedhead, reminiscent of eyelashes, that if left unmowed, is very attractive.

Blue grama needs full sun and well-draining soil. It requires only 2 inches of water per month. It is a warm-season grass, which means it will be dormant (and tawny colored) from mid fall until the warmer part of spring. Plant seed, plugs, or sod (see Guides). Requires only 3 to 4 mowings all season, or don't mow at all, and have a billowy, prairie-like lawn.