Leymus arenarius 'Blue Dune'
grass

Blue Dune Lyme Grass

Leymus arenarius 'Blue Dune'

$32.95
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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Grass

Height

36 inches

Width

36 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low

Humidity

Tolerates low humidity

Lifespan

Perennial grass

Native To

Coasts of Europe (species)

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Leymus arenarius is a vigorous, rhizomatous perennial grass native to the coastlines of Europe, known for its tough nature and striking blue-gray foliage. It is an aggressive spreader. 'Blue Dune' is a cultivar selected for its particularly intense, metallic-blue foliage, making it a dramatic accent plant. Its aggressive spreading habit requires containment.

Bloom Period:

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesThe primary value of 'Blue Dune' is its intensely silver-blue, upright foliage, which creates a dramatic vertical accent and a bold splash of color in the garden. It provides a modern, architectural look and contrasts beautifully with green or purple foliage.
Practical UsesIt is exceptionally tough, tolerating drought, salt spray, and poor, sandy soils. It is excellent for erosion control on coastal banks and dunes. However, its most practical use in a home garden is as a contained specimen in a large pot.
Ecological BenefitsIn its native coastal habitat, Leymus arenarius is a crucial pioneer plant that stabilizes shifting sand dunes, allowing other plants to establish. This helps to build and protect coastal ecosystems from erosion.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

In Stock$32.95
In Stock$33.12

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Planting

How to Grow

  1. Select a full sun location with poor, well-drained soil.
  2. Install a 24-inch deep root barrier if planting in the ground.
  3. Dig a hole and place the plant inside the barrier.
  4. Backfill with soil and water to establish.
  5. Alternatively, plant in a large, sturdy container.
  6. Cut back foliage to the ground in late winter.

Pro Tip

Always plant this grass within a root barrier or in a large pot to prevent its aggressive rhizomes from taking over the garden.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Provide full sun and excellent drainage.
  • Use a root barrier or plant in a container.
  • Cut back foliage annually for a fresh look.

Don't

  • Do not plant in a mixed border without containment.
  • Do not use rich, fertile soil, which encourages rampant growth.
  • Do not overwater.

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Divide
Plant
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Striking blue accent in containersModern mass planting for dry areasErosion control on sandy banks

Companion Plants

Sedum 'Autumn Joy' Perovskia atriplicifolia Echinops ritro Yucca filamentosa Eryngium

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Blue Dune Lyme Grass questions

What zones can Blue Dune Lyme Grass grow in?

Blue Dune Lyme Grass is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Blue Dune Lyme Grass deer resistant?

Yes — Blue Dune Lyme Grass is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Blue Dune Lyme Grass bloom?

Blue Dune Lyme Grass typically blooms in mid-summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Blue Dune Lyme Grass need full sun?

Blue Dune Lyme Grass does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Blue Dune Lyme Grass drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Blue Dune Lyme Grass handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.

Keep exploring

Grow Blue Dune Lyme Grass with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.

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