Also known as Grama Grass · 214 gardener saves
Bouteloua: the varieties gardeners actually grow
Bouteloua, the genus most gardeners know as grama grass. We track 3 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 3 most-saved Bouteloua varieties
Of 3 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedBlue Grama Blonde Ambition
Bouteloua gracilis 'Blonde Ambition'
#2 most savedSideoats Grama
Bouteloua curtipendula
#3 most savedHoneycomb Blue Grama Grass
Bouteloua gracilis 'Honeycomb'
How to grow Bouteloua
What the Bouteloua varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 3 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Bouteloua year
- DivideMarch and April100% of varieties
Divide large clumps every 3-5 years when center growth weakens
- PlantApril67% of varieties
Plant in spring or early fall in well-drained soil
- Spring CleanupJanuary and February67% of varieties
Cut back old, dried foliage to 2-3 inches before new growth begins
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 |
| Rust | Orange pustules on leaves | Remove affected foliage and improve air circulation |
Making more Bouteloua
division
- Divide clumps in early spring or fall
- Replant divisions immediately in well-drained soil
- Water thoroughly after transplanting
Seed
- Tuck seeds into prepared soil in spring
- Keep soil moist for 2 weeks
- Germination occurs in 14-21 days
Bouteloua questions
How many types of Bouteloua are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 3 distinct Bouteloua varieties. The most popular — ranked by 214 real gardener saves — 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. 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.
Keep exploring
Design with Bouteloua in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
