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Side-oats grama

Bouteloua curtipendula · Poaceae

The gardener's calendar

The right move for September

Ideal time to plant side-oats grama: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.

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ID card

Family
Poaceae (grasses)
Foliage
Deciduous to semi-evergreen
Blooming
July to September
Adult size
24 to 35 inches tall
Growth
Moderate to fast
Hardiness
Hardy to -4°F
Exposure
Full sun
Origin
United States and Mexico (arid steppes)

Care

Exposure

Install your tall bouteloua in full sun for optimal growth and generous flowering. This grass tolerates hot, windy spots very well. Avoid partial shade, which slows its vigor and reduces the ornamentation of the flower spikes.

Soil

This grass prefers well-draining, poor to average soils, and tolerates drought very well once established. It also tolerates chalky terrain and rocky soils. Avoid overly rich soils or constantly moist conditions, which encourage soft growth.

Watering

Water regularly during the first two years to encourage deep root development. Once established, the plant is very drought-resistant and needs little watering. During extreme, prolonged heat, occasional watering helps maintain foliage appearance.

Fertilizer

Tall bouteloua doesn't require regular fertilizing on balanced soil. A light spring application is more than enough. Avoid over-rich fertilizers that unbalance the plant and reduce its natural hardiness.

Pruning and cleanup

Cut or mow the clump to 4-6 inches tall in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. This removes old foliage and stimulates new shoots. Lightly brush the plant in fall to remove debris and aerate the clump.

Diseases and pests

Tall bouteloua is very robust and not particularly susceptible to common diseases. On poorly drained soil, it may fear root rot. No specific pests threaten it particularly. Ensure good air circulation and adequate drainage for optimal health.

Did you know?

Tall bouteloua, or side-oats grama in English, is a grass native to the North American Great Plains where it played a crucial role in stabilizing soils and feeding wild bison herds. Its scientific name 'curtipendula' literally means 'short-hanging,' referring to its small spikelets that elegantly hang from just one side of the flower axis, a highly ornamental distinctive feature.

Where to buy it

Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.

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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.