Sesleria autumnalis ( Autumn Moor Grass )
A vigorous perennial grass, reaching a maximum size of 20 inches x 2.5 feet ( usually around 1 x 2 feet ), that is native to mountains of Italy and Albania in Europe. It is excellent for massing in the landscape, especially looking stunning mixed with autumn blooming Crocus. This fine textured, delicate looking grass is great for creating the "natural meadow look" whether in the open or under trees.
The semi-evergreen to evergreen foliage is luxuriant bright green with excellent yellow-green to yellow late autumn color. The leaf blades are narrow, up to 12 x 0.2 inches. This cool season grass should not be cut back to close to ground until early spring as the foliage remains attractive through the winter.
The silvery-white to tan-colored flower plumes, up to 20 inches, are borne summer into autumn.
Hardy zones 4 to 8 in full sun to partial shade ( possibly even moderate shade ) on fertile, well drained soil. Very drought tolerant but will also thrive on moist soil. Does not grow well in the extremely humid summers of the Deep South. Not typically bothered by pests or disease. Propagation is from seed or division during autumn or spring.
* photo taken on Feb 2009 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.
* photo taken on October 17 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.
* photo taken on June 23 2013 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC
* photo taken on Sep 3 2017 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.
* photo taken on Aug 4 2021 @ U.S. National Arboretum, Washington, DC
Sesleria caerulea ( Blue Moor Grass )
A moderate growing, compact, clump forming perennial grass, reaching up to 1 foot or rarely 1.5 feet x 16 inches. The attractive foliage is metallic blue-gray. Excellent for the rock garden and can be used for massing.
The silvery to purplish flower inflorescences are borne during mid to late spring.
Hardy zones 4 to 9 in full sun to partial shade on average to wet soil.
This is a cool season grass.
Sesleria heufleriana
A perennial grass, reaching up to 2 foot with greenish-blue foliage. Excellent for the rock garden.
The white flower inflorescences are borne during early to mid spring.
Hardy zones 5 to 8 in full sun.
Sesleria nitida
A stiffly upright perennial grass, reaching up to 2 foot, with blue foliage. The silvery flower inflorescences are borne during spring.
Hardy zones 5 to 8 in full sun. Very drought tolerant.
Sesleria salderana
Reaches a maximum height of 20 inches with attractive, rigid, upright foliage. It is very drought tolerant and excellent for groundcover and massing on commercial sites.
Hardy zones 4 to 8 in full sun.
