Also known as sand lyme grass and sea lyme grass, this semi-evergreen, cool season, perennial grass is native to the coasts of northern and western Europe, and a member of the grass family, Poaceae, that also includes rice, corn and bamboo. It forms dense, spreading clumps of arching, broad, flat, steel-blue leaves that are 1/4-1/2″ wide and 12-18″ long. In summer, narrow blue-gray spikes of flowers appear 8-12″ above the foliage and turn beige with maturity. Plants grow quickly and spread by rhizomes so can become invasive but are valued as a dune stabilizer and for erosion control They are not for the border but do well in containers where their spread can be controlled. The foliage is valued for flower arrangements. The genus name, Elymus, is from Ancient Greek ἔλυμος (élumos), and means millet. The specific epithet, arenarius, is from the Latin word arēna meaning sand and refers to the favored habitat of the plant.
Type: Semi evergreen, cool season perennial grass
Bloom: Blue green spikes of flowers in summer mature to beige
Size: 2-4′ H x 2-3′ W but arching habit gives the appearance of a shorter plant
Light: Full sun to light shade
Soil: Average, medium moist to dry, well-drained; drought and very salt tolerant
Hardiness: Zones 4-10
Care: Cut back in all
Pests and Diseases: Aphids, spider mites
Propagation: Division from mid spring to early fall
Companion Plants:
Outstanding Selections: ‘Blue Dune’ (good color even in warm climate)
Photo Credit: Kristian Peters Wikimedia Commons