Also known as Grama Grass · 248 saves
Bouteloua
Bouteloua, the genus most gardeners know as grama grass. We track 4 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 4 most-saved Bouteloua varieties
Species of Bouteloua
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Bouteloua in Sow
Save the Bouteloua you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Bouteloua
Whats common across all Bouteloua varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 4 most-grown of them.
The Bouteloua year
- DivideMarch and April75% of varieties
Divide large clumps every 3-5 years when center growth weakens
- PlantApril50% of varieties
Plant in spring or early fall in well-drained soil
- Spring CleanupJanuary and February50% of varieties
Cut back old, dried foliage to 2-3 inches before new growth begins
- PruneFebruary50% of varieties
Cut back foliage to a few inches above the ground in late winter.
Do
- Water during prolonged dry spells 🌱
- Mulch to conserve moisture
- Divide every few years to maintain vigor
- Prune back in late winter to encourage new growth
- Water during extended dry periods 🌱
Avoid
- Overwater, which can cause root rot ❌
- Plant in poorly drained soil
- Neglect pruning and dividing
- Use heavy fertilizers
What goes wrong with Bouteloua
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Grass webworm | Chewed or webbed grass blades | Use Bacillus thuringiensis (organic) or insecticidal soap |
| None common | N/A | N/A |
| Generally pest-free | No significant insect damage is typical | No treatment needed |
| Rust | Orange pustules on leaves | Remove affected foliage and improve air circulation |
| Generally disease-free | No significant disease issues reported | Ensure full sun and good drainage |
Making more Bouteloua
Division
- Divide clumps in early spring or fall
- Replant divisions immediately
- Water thoroughly after planting
division
- Divide clumps in early spring or fall
- Replant divisions immediately in well-drained soil
- Water thoroughly after transplanting
Bouteloua questions
How many types of Bouteloua are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 4 distinct Bouteloua varieties. The most popular — ranked by 248 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Bouteloua grow in?
Across its varieties, Bouteloua covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Bouteloua bloom?
Most Bouteloua varieties bloom in mid-summer, late summer, summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Bouteloua should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.