Sesleria autumnalis
moor grass
- Position: grows in both full sun/light shade
- Soil: tolerant of most, but prefers alkaline soils
- Rate of growth: average
- Flowering period: June to October
- Hardiness: fully hardy
Both easy to grow, and tolerant of a wide range of soil types and aspects, this evergreen grass is a valuable foil for large and small gardens alike. Unlike many other ornamental grasses, it is a cool-season grass that tends to put on new growth in autumn and spring, and dies back a little in the summer. It is during the summer period that the plant also sends up wiry, upright stems, from amongst the hummocks of grey-green foliage, which support the elongated flower spikes. The long-lasting flowers, which are silvery-grey at first, gradually open to reveal a sleeve of silky white stamens which shimmer lightly in any passing breeze. In the autumn the foliage takes on a lime green hue, which will often continue throughout the colder weather. This is a fine subject for defining the edge of woodland paths or shaded courtyard borders and looks wonderful planted in big blocks. - Garden care: Cut back old foliage in the spring to encourage fresh new growth and to maintain good form and habit of plants. Avoid waterlogged conditions in winter.