Blue Dune Lyme Grass, also known as Blue Lyme Grass or Leymus arenarius, is a versatile and hardy plant that can be a great addition to your garden or landscape. One of the key characteristics of this grass is its ability to spread through rhizomes, which are underground stems that can produce new shoots and roots. This spreading nature makes Blue Lyme Grass an excellent choice for areas where you want it to cover a larger space and create a dense ground cover.
If you are looking to establish a large area of Blue Lyme Grass, its spreading habit can be advantageous. You can strategically place the grass where you want it to grow and let it gradually fill in the space over time. This can be particularly useful for covering hillsides or slopes, where erosion control is needed. The dense network of rhizomes helps to stabilize the soil and prevent erosion, making Blue Lyme Grass an effective choice for these challenging areas.
To encourage the spread of Blue Lyme Grass, you can divide existing clumps and replant them in desired locations. The rhizomes will continue to grow and spread, gradually covering the new area. It’s important to note that this grass can be quite aggressive in its spread, so it’s crucial to choose the planting location carefully. Avoid areas where it may encroach upon other plants or invade neighboring spaces where it’s not wanted.
In my personal experience, I have used Blue Lyme Grass to control soil erosion on a sloping area in my backyard. The grass quickly established itself and formed a thick mat of foliage, effectively preventing soil runoff during heavy rains. The spreading nature of the grass helped it cover the entire slope within a couple of years, creating a visually appealing and functional ground cover.
Here are a few key points to consider when working with Blue Lyme Grass:
1. Choose the right location: Blue Lyme Grass needs full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. It is adaptable to different soil types, including sandy or clay soils. Ensure that the area where you want to plant it meets these requirements.
2. Prepare the soil: Before planting, prepare the soil by removing any weeds or grasses. Loosen the soil to improve drainage and incorporate organic matter if needed.
3. Planting and spacing: Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball of the grass. Place the plant in the hole, making sure the crown is level with the soil surface. Space the plants about 2-3 feet apart to allow room for spreading.
4. Watering and maintenance: Blue Lyme Grass is drought-tolerant once established but will benefit from regular watering during the first growing season. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Once the grass has filled in and established itself, it will require little to no maintenance.
5. Managing the spread: As mentioned earlier, Blue Lyme Grass can be aggressive in its spread. Regularly monitor the area and remove any unwanted shoots that may be encroaching on other plants or areas where they are not desired.
Blue Lyme Grass is a spreading grass that can be a valuable addition to your garden or landscape. Its ability to spread via rhizomes makes it ideal for use as a tall ground cover, on hillsides, and for controlling soil erosion. By understanding its spreading nature and considering the planting location, you can effectively utilize Blue Lyme Grass to create a visually appealing and functional landscape feature.
