Blue Dune Lyme Grass

Leymus arenarius 'Blue Dune'

Nature Hills Nursery

Striking Steel-Blue Foliage that Outshines Standard Lyme Grass Varieties Year-Round
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 4-9
Grows 2-3 ft Tall, 1-2 ft Wide
Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Rabbit Resistant
Native - Attracts Butterflies

$33¹²

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Plant Size

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Aim for at least six hours of direct sun daily to maintain the striking, intense blue color; while it accepts partial shade, the foliage will be a duller green and the habit may become leggier.
Soil: This plant is extremely unfussy and actually prefers poor, lean, well-draining soil, making it perfect for sandy, dry sites, or coastal environments. If you have heavy clay, make sure to significantly amend the area with coarse grit and compost, as this grass will rot if kept in soggy conditions.

Watering Requirements

Water consistently through its first full season to help the root system establish itself; a deep soaking once a week without rain is sufficient. Once mature, Blue Dune Lyme Grass is very drought-tolerant, and overwatering is a much greater risk than underwatering. If water is consistently scarce during a heatwave, you may notice some brown, stressed leaf tips, which signals it is time for a thorough drink.

Pruning Tips

This ornamental grass is grown for its foliage, so the best time to prune is in late winter or very early spring before the new blue shoots appear. Use sharp shears to cut all the old, brown canes down hard to within a few inches of the ground, around 3 to 6 inches tall. This annual haircut removes all the tired growth from the previous season and paves the way for a fresh, vigorous flush of its signature blue foliage.

Fertilizer Needs

This hardy grass is a light feeder and generally does not need supplemental fertilizer, as it thrives in lean soil. If you feel growth is particularly slow in extremely poor conditions, apply a light, slow-release balanced granular fertilizer, like a 10-10-10 blend, just once in the very early spring. What you want to avoid is high-nitrogen fertilizer, especially applied in summer, as this encourages soft, floppy green growth rather than the tough, upright blue texture you desire.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Low Maintenance, Slopes/Erosion Control, Salt Tolerant, Deer-resistant, Heat Tolerant, Drought resistant, Container Friendly
Hardiness Zone	3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b
Sunlight	Full sun
Height	2-3 ft
Width	1-2 ft
Watering Needs	Low
Preferred Soil	Clay, Loamy, Sandy
Growth Rate	Fast
Growth Habit	Bushy, Spreading, Upright
Plant Life Cycle	Perennial
Blooms In	Summer
Native	Yes
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Plant Name	Grass
Botanical Name	Leymus arenarius 'Blue Dune'
Species	arenarius
Cultivar	Blue Dune
Class	Poales
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

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Frequently Asked Questions

What USDA hardiness zones can Blue Dune Lyme Grass survive in?

Blue Dune Lyme Grass thrives in USDA zones 4-9, showing excellent cold tolerance. This hardy perennial handles both harsh winters and hot summers well. Plant it where you can contain its spreading habit while enjoying the striking blue foliage year-round.

Does Blue Dune Lyme Grass prefer full sun, partial shade, or full shade?

Blue Dune Lyme Grass thrives in full sun conditions where its striking blue foliage develops the most vibrant color. This vigorous spreader tolerates partial shade but performs best with 6+ hours of direct sunlight. Plant in sunny spots where you can contain its spreading habit, available at naturehills.com.

How often should I water Blue Dune Lyme Grass after planting?

Water newly planted Blue Dune Lyme Grass regularly for the first growing season to establish roots. Once established, this low maintenance grass needs only occasional watering. Water deeply but infrequently during dry spells to encourage deep root development.

Is Blue Dune Lyme Grass a fast-growing or slow-growing plant?

Blue Dune Lyme Grass is a fast-growing, vigorous perennial that spreads aggressively by rhizomes. It will quickly fill large areas and can be pushy in regular garden settings. Plant it where you can contain its spread or use it intentionally for ground cover and erosion control.

Will deer eat Blue Dune Lyme Grass or is it deer resistant?

Blue Dune Lyme Grass is generally deer resistant due to its tough, coarse texture that deer typically avoid. This vigorous spreading grass makes an excellent choice for areas with deer pressure while providing striking blue foliage. Plant it where deer browse is an issue - available at naturehills.com.

What size container does the Blue Dune Lyme Grass come in when shipped?

Blue Dune Lyme Grass typically ships in 1-gallon containers from most nurseries. This size provides a well-established root system that transplants easily. Plant in spring after frost danger passes for best establishment.

How is the Blue Dune Lyme Grass packaged for shipping?

Blue Dune Lyme Grass ships as bare root divisions or potted plants depending on the season. The vigorous rhizome system establishes quickly once planted. Plant immediately upon arrival and water thoroughly to help this spreading perennial get established.

Can Blue Dune Lyme Grass tolerate salt spray and coastal conditions?

Blue Dune Lyme Grass excels in coastal conditions and tolerates salt spray extremely well. As a Leymus arenarius cultivar, it's naturally adapted to sandy, salty environments and actually thrives where other grasses struggle. Plant it in coastal gardens for reliable erosion control and striking blue color.

Blue Dune Lyme Grass

Leymus arenarius 'Blue Dune'