Leymus 'Blue Dune' is a vigorous ornamental grass prized for its striking silvery blue foliage and strong spreading habit. This cool season grass is tolerant of salt and drought, bringing color and motion to dry landscapes.
Height & Spread: 24 - 36 in x 24 - 48 in
Bloom Time: Early to mid summer
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Sandy or well drained soil; tolerates poor and dry conditions
Watering Needs: Low once established; water occasionally in extreme drought
Deer Resistance: Generally unpalatable to deer
Native Status
This cultivar is derived from Leymus arenarius, a grass native to coastal Europe and Asia. Widely used in landscapes for its adaptability and erosion control capabilities.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Birds
- Seed heads are occasionally used by finches and sparrows, and dense clumps provide shelter for ground nesting songbirds.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 24 - 36 in apart to accommodate its vigorous spreading habit and allow for effective ground coverage.
Landscape Placement
- Ideal for coastal landscapes, dunes, sloped banks, and sandy gardens where wind and salt tolerance are needed. Use as a bold foliage contrast in dry borders and meadow inspired designs.
Companion Plants
- Achillea millefolium (Common Yarrow) - Offers flat topped blooms and fine texture that echo the silver blue tones of 'Blue Dune'.
- Perovskia atriplicifolia (Russian Sage) - Produces airy lavender flowers and aromatic gray foliage that harmonizes in dry conditions.
- Lavandula angustifolia (English Lavender) - Provides compact form, fragrance, and color that complement the coarse texture of 'Blue Dune'.
- Coreopsis verticillata 'Zagreb' - Adds cheerful yellow blooms that pop against Leymus’s steel blue blades.
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Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' - Brings vertical floral spikes in rich purple that contrast the foliage and tolerate similar dry soils.