Leymus arenariusBlue Lyme Grass

Leymus arenarius, the Blue Lyme Grass, is a rhizomatous dune grass of the northern European coasts, grown ornamentally for the intense steel-blue of its broad strap leaves. Clumps run to 0.6 or 1.2 metres and spread steadily by underground runners.

It is a sand-binder first and an ornamental second, and it is at its most useful stabilising dunes, coastal embankments and exposed sandy batters.

Specifications

• Height0.6 to 1.2 metres
• Width0.6 to 1 metre per clump, spreading steadily by rhizome
• Native toCoastal northern and western Europe
• FoliageBroad steel-blue strap leaves; semi-evergreen, dying back in hard winters
• Growth rateFast

Conditions

• SoilPrefers sandy, sharply drained soils and thrives in pure dune sand
• LightFull sun
• WaterLow; drought-tolerant once established
• ClimateThrives in cool temperate and coastal regions; dislikes hot humid summers

Additional Features

• FlowersWheat-like blue-green flower spikes through summer
• UsesIdeal for dune stabilisation, coastal embankments and blue foliage accent planting
• SpacingPlant 0.5 to 0.8 metres apart, allowing for rhizomatous spread
• Low MaintenanceCut back in late winter and contain the rhizomes with an edge or barrier
• Pest ResistanceGenerally pest-free and resilient
• Salt ToleranceThrives in salt-laden coastal wind and blown sand
• Erosion ControlDeep rhizomes bind shifting sand; it is a primary dune species
• Drought ToleranceHolds condition on pure sand with no supplementary water

Blue Lyme Grass is the specialist sand-binder among ornamental grasses, delivering colour on ground where little else will hold.