*Recognized by Gardening How-To as a favorite new plant for 2011, David Salman’s ‘Blonde Ambition’ is poised to contend with the Karl Foerster.*
SANTA FE, N.M. – National Home Gardening Club Magazine recently listed ‘Blonde Ambition’ (Bouteloua gracilis PPAF) – 2011 Plant Select® winner – one of 24 new varieties to plant in 2011 (“New Varieties 2011,”January/February 2011). Citing this native grass’ revamped sideways flower as its crowning feature, the list’s editors claim that blue grama prairie varieties finally have “a glamorous city counterpart.”
Pat Hayward, executive director of Plant Select®, points to the plant’s dual-application capacity as a badge for its future success. “It really has the potential to be a commercial and residential mainstay,” she says. “It’s the first low-water, native ornamental we’ve ever had, and the fact that it’s native to such a huge range means we’re going to see a lot of it.” Hayward indicates the entire country’s concern for water conservation as an influence in the new grass’ eventual widespread adoption. The versatility of this long-lived perennial could make it as sought-after as the Karl Foerster variety, one of the most popular ornamentals of all time.
Discovered and introduced by High Country Gardens’ founder and chief horticulturist, David Salman, ‘Blonde Ambition’ is native to 26 states and is expected to perform well across the country, particularly in hardiness zones 4-9.
High Country Gardens announces its February e-zine series, “Natural Lawn Makeover,” a promotional forum for building waterwise lawns. The first edition going live on Saturday, Feb. 5. This week’s e-zine edition, “Indigenous Beauty in the Garden,” features some of Salman’s favorite native companions for ‘Blonde Ambition,’ like asters and prairie switch grasses (Panicum). Signing up for the newsletter ensures a first-look at these upcoming special offers.
For more information go to www.highcountrygardens.com, or call 1-800-925-9387.
