About

Ammophila arenaria, the marram grass, is a sturdy, strongly rhizomatous native grass found all around the British coast, producing clumps of pale, greyish-green, inrolled foliage that persists year-round. Leafy stems up to 1.2 m tall carry neat, beige flowerheads through summer. Widely planted to consolidate drifting dunes � its deep rhizomes binding sand effectively � and a food plant for several moth caterpillars. An excellent grass for a coastal or exposed sandy garden.

About the genus

Ammophila, the marram grasses, are robust, strongly rhizomatous perennial grasses with inrolled, greyish-green leaves, native to the sandy coasts of Europe and North America. They are among the most effective sand-binding plants available, used extensively in coastal dune stabilisation.

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun
Soil typeSand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed
UK hardinessH7

Plant details

Plant typeGrass Like
HabitMatforming, Tufted
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCoastal
Native toEurope

Care notes

CultivationGrows mainly on sand dunes, where it can be the dominant plant. Copes with moving sand and salt wind, and thrives in well-drained soil in an open, sunny position
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed or by division of rhizomes
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free