Blue Lyme Grass (Leymus arenarius) is a bold ornamental grass prized for its striking steel-blue foliage and exceptional tolerance of difficult growing conditions. Growing approximately 2-3 feet tall, it produces stiff, upright blue-gray leaves that provide strong color and texture throughout the growing season. Wheat-like flower heads rise above the foliage in summer, beginning blue-green and gradually maturing to tan.
Blue Lyme Grass is particularly well suited for sandy soils, coastal landscapes, slopes, and other challenging areas where many ornamental grasses struggle. It is highly tolerant of wind, salt, drought, and poor soils once established. Blue Lyme Grass spreads vigorously by underground rhizomes and can form large colonies, making it useful for erosion control and naturalized areas but less suitable for small or tightly controlled planting beds.
More About Blue Lyme Grass
- Low Maintenance
- Fast Growing
- Perennial Ornamental Grass
- Striking Steel-Blue Foliage
- Drought Tolerant Once Established
- Salt Tolerant
- Sandy Soil Tolerant
- Coastal Planting, Slopes, Erosion Control, Naturalized Areas, Mass Planting
- Upright Habit
- Spreads aggressively by Underground Rhizomes
- Deer Resistant
Height: 2-3 Feet
Spread: 2-3 Feet and Spreading
Hardiness Zone: 3-9
Characteristics
- Sun Exposure: Full Sun
- Season of Interest: Spring, Summer, Fall
- Soil Moisture: Dry to Average, Well Draining
- Attributes: Upright, Spreading, Rhizomatous
- Foliage Color: Steel Blue to Blue-Gray
- Flower Color: Blue-Green, Maturing to Tan
Care & Maintenance Tips
Planting:
Plant in full sun for the strongest growth and best blue foliage color. Blue Lyme Grass performs especially well in sandy, gravelly, or relatively poor soils and is highly tolerant of coastal conditions. Because it spreads aggressively by underground rhizomes, plant it where it has room to naturalize or use a physical root barrier to help control its spread.
Watering:
Water regularly during the first growing season while the root system becomes established. Once established, Blue Lyme Grass is drought tolerant and generally requires little supplemental watering.
Fertilizing:
Very little fertilizer is required. Blue Lyme Grass performs well in lean soils, and excessive fertilization can encourage overly vigorous growth and spreading.
Pruning:
Cut old foliage back to approximately 3-6 inches above the ground in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove unwanted shoots or rhizomes as needed to prevent the plant from spreading beyond its intended area.
State Restrictions
State Restrictions: Blue Lyme Grass (Leymus arenarius) is prohibited or restricted in Wisconsin. Please check your local regulations before purchasing.
