Common Name: Blue Dune Lyme Grass
Latin Name: Elymus arenarius ‘Blue Dune’
Brand: —
- Mature Height: 24 in (foliage); up to 36 in in bloom
- Mature Width: ~24 in and increasing (spreads by rhizomes)
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part sun
- Cold Hardiness Zone: USDA 4–9
- Habit: Fast-growing, rhizomatous, spreading clumps
- Foliage: Striking silver-blue blades; bold, metallic sheen
- Flower: Wheat-colored plumes in late summer
- Soil pH: Adaptable; thrives in neutral to slightly alkaline soils (approx. pH 6.5–8.0)
Description:
‘Blue Dune’ is a show-stopping, silver-blue ornamental grass that makes foliage color the main event. It forms quick, spreading clumps that send up tawny seedheads in late summer, creating a rugged, coastal look. Heat tolerant and tough, it’s superb for large sweeps, pairing with purple or burgundy companions, and stabilizing banks where fast cover is needed. Note: It spreads by rhizomes—great for filling space; use edging where containment is desired.
Care Tips:
Plant in well-drained soil; water regularly the first season to establish deep roots, then reduce frequency—tolerates periodic dry spells. Space 2–3 ft apart for groundcover. Cut back in late spring to refresh foliage. Less vigorous in dry, heavy clay; most vigorous in sandy or loamy soils. Salt-spray and roadside-conditions tolerant.
Landscape Uses:
Erosion control on slopes, coastal and xeric plantings, mass groundcover, naturalistic borders, matrix plantings, striking color contrast with catmint, ninebark, shrub roses, and hardy geraniums.
