Also known as Lyme Grass · 30 saves
Leymus
Leymus, the genus most gardeners know as lyme grass. We track 3 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 3 most-saved Leymus varieties
2 species of Leymus
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Leymus in Sow
Save the Leymus you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Leymus
Whats common across all Leymus varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 3 most-grown of them.
The Leymus year
- DivideApril67% of varieties
Divide clumps in spring to manage size and propagate.
- Spring CleanupMarch and April67% of varieties
Cut back old foliage to the ground in late winter before new growth emerges.
Do
- Contain it or give it a dune ⛰️
- Cut back in midsummer for colour ✂️
- Plant it in sun and sandy soil ☀️
- Divide every few years 🔁
- Provide full sun and excellent drainage.
Avoid
- Plant it loose in a mixed border ❌
- Feed or over-water it ❌
- Expect it to stay in a clump ❌
- Do not plant in a mixed border without containment.
What goes wrong with Leymus
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Generally pest-free | No significant insect damage is typical | Monitor only; NCSU rates it resistant to deer, rabbits, drought and salt |
| Aphids | Small insects clustered on new growth. | Usually not a serious problem. A strong spray of water can dislodge them. Insecticidal soap can be used if necessary. |
| Deer | Minor chewing or browsing of the foliage tips, usually during early spring growth. | Apply a scent-based repellent if browsing is persistent, though the tough foliage is rarely severely damaged. |
| Rust | Orange pustules on the leaf blades in humid weather, dulling the blue | Cut the clump back; the fresh growth usually comes through clean |
| Root Rot | Yellowing leaves, wilting stems, and a decaying, mushy crown. | Ensure perfect drainage, avoid organic soil amendments, and cease all supplemental watering. |
Making more Leymus
Division
- Lift and cut a section of rhizome in spring.
- Replant into contained ground or a sunken pot.
- Water until it takes; establishment is quick.
Rhizome Division
- Dig up a section of the spreading rhizomes in early spring just as new growth begins.
- Sever the creeping underground stems into sections, ensuring each piece has at least one healthy bud or shoot and a portion of roots.
- Replant the divisions immediately into loose, sandy soil at the same depth as the parent plant.
- Water the newly transplanted divisions thoroughly to settle the sand around the roots.
Leymus questions
How many types of Leymus are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 3 distinct Leymus varieties. The most popular — ranked by 30 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Leymus grow in?
Across its varieties, Leymus covers USDA Zones 4–9. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Leymus bloom?
Most Leymus varieties bloom in mid-summer, spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Leymus 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.