Blonde Ambition

Plant Type: perennial ornamental grass
Plant Height: 2–3 feet (foliage); 3–4 feet with seed heads
Spread: 2–3 feet
Flower Color: chartreuse-green seed heads that mature to blonde
Sun Exposure: Full sun

Blonde Ambition (Bouteloua gracilis ‘Blonde Ambition’): Showy, Low-Water Ornamental Grass

Blonde Ambition is a standout selection of blue grama grass prized for its upright, blonde seed heads that float above fine, blue-green foliage. This drought-tolerant ornamental grass provides movement, texture, and year-round interest, making it ideal for Arizona’s low-water landscapes.

Key Features of Blonde Ambition

• Distinctive Seed Heads: Horizontal, eyelash-like seed heads emerge chartreuse-green in summer and mature to a showy blonde color.
• Long-Lasting Display: Seed heads persist through winter, adding texture even in the dormant season.
• Drought Tolerant: Requires minimal water once established and thrives in hot, sunny conditions.
• Low Maintenance: No need for frequent pruning; simple seasonal cutback keeps it tidy.

Growing and Care Tips

Blonde Ambition is an improved cultivar of native blue grama grass, offering larger seed heads and a more upright habit.

Soil: Prefers well-draining soil; tolerates sandy, rocky, or average garden soil.
Water: Regular watering during establishment; once mature, only occasional deep watering is needed.
Fertilizer: Generally not required; too much fertilizer can reduce drought tolerance.
Pruning: Cut back to 2–3 inches in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.

Landscaping Uses

• Accent Planting: Adds texture and movement to desert gardens and xeriscapes.
• Mass Planting: Creates a soft, naturalistic look in large sweeps.
• Mixed Borders: Pairs beautifully with flowering perennials like salvia, penstemon, and coneflower.
• Wildlife Gardens: Provides food and shelter for birds and beneficial insects.

Summary

Blonde Ambition offers a unique, sculptural element to Arizona landscapes with its showy seed heads, drought tolerance, and easy care. It’s a perfect choice for adding movement, texture, and four-season interest.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Blonde Ambition

Planting Guide:

Location: Full sun for best growth and seed head production.
Soil: Well-draining soils are essential; amend clay soils with sand or grit.
Spacing: Plant 2–3 feet apart for individual accents or 18–24 inches apart for mass plantings.
Planting Depth: Plant root crown level with surrounding soil.
Support: Not needed—plants naturally maintain an upright form.

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water deeply to settle the root zone.
• Frequency: Water every 3–4 days for the first 2–3 weeks.
• Watering Amount: Apply enough to moisten soil 6–8 inches deep.

When is the Plant Established?

• Typically after 2–3 months of consistent watering and visible new growth.

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Water every 14–21 days during extended heat and drought.
• Winter: Water every 4–6 weeks if rainfall is absent.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

Placement of Emitters: Place 1 emitter 6–8 inches from plant base.
Flow Rate: 1-gallon-per-hour emitter recommended.
Number of Emitters: One per plant; increase for dense groupings.
Adjusting Frequency: In peak summer heat, water every 10–14 days; in winter, reduce to monthly or less.

General Watering Tips for Blonde Ambition:

• Soil Check: Allow top 3 inches of soil to dry before watering again.
• Avoid Overwatering: Excess moisture can cause root rot.
• Mulch: Use gravel mulch to help retain moisture and reduce weeds.