Sesleria autumnalis
Autumn Moor Grass
USDA 4-9
Sesleria autumnalis is native to southern Europe and the Caucasus region but is adapted to all but the hot desert and hot humid climates of the southeast. It has been consistently been one of the best ground cover grasses we have ever come across. In 25 years of use, our clone of Sesleria autumnalis has never naturalized or set seed.
What do you say about a grass that looks this good year round and looks just as good in Minneapolis as it does in San Diego? Its rich yellow green foliage is versatile whether in small groups or large swaths. Rich soft, yellow green foliage grows 8-12" high and as wide and can get even larger in rich soils and pushed with water and fertilizer. Neat mounds of foliage are topped by slender white flowers in the spring. These flowers mature into golden tan seed heads that are noticeable but never messy on the plant. The foliage is evergreen in all but the coldest of climates or in alpine settings. Growing well by the coast, it needs more water when growing in hot inland valleys. Sesleria autumnalis is not recommended for high or low desert gardens. Sesleria autumnalis does best in full sun but will tolerate light shade. Sesleria autumnalis will grow in a wide variety of soils from sand to clay.
Uses:
Sesleria autumnalis is useful as single specimens in small gardens and perennial borders or in groups and masses in larger gardens. It is a dependable large scale ground cover grass.
Planting/Spacing:
Plant Sesleria autumnalis 12-18" on-center depending on the desired effect and the addition of bulbs and flowering accents. It is best planted in fall or spring from plugs or pots but it can be planted any time of the year in all but the coldest climates as long as moisture is sufficient.
Coastal:
Sesleria autumnalis grows well by the coast but is untested in 1st exposure sea coast.
Slopes:
Sesleria autumnalis is not recommended for steep slopes in hot inland valleys but would work on lightly shaded slopes as long as moisture is sufficient.
Watering:
Sesleria autumnalis grows best with regular water and will not tolerate extended period of heat and drought. Drought tolerate in coastal settings, plantings in hotter inland valleys will need more water to look good in the hot summer months.
Diseases and pests: None!
Maintenance:
A very low maintenance grass, Sesleria autumnalis looks great year round. It does best, however, with a light trimming in fall or early spring to promote new growth. Sesleria autumnalis can be trimmed any time of year if foliage needs refreshing.
Alpine: Good to 8000'
Autumn Moor Grass
USDA 4-9
Sesleria autumnalis is native to southern Europe and the Caucasus region but is adapted to all but the hot desert and hot humid climates of the southeast. It has been consistently been one of the best ground cover grasses we have ever come across. In 25 years of use, our clone of Sesleria autumnalis has never naturalized or set seed.
What do you say about a grass that looks this good year round and looks just as good in Minneapolis as it does in San Diego? Its rich yellow green foliage is versatile whether in small groups or large swaths. Rich soft, yellow green foliage grows 8-12" high and as wide and can get even larger in rich soils and pushed with water and fertilizer. Neat mounds of foliage are topped by slender white flowers in the spring. These flowers mature into golden tan seed heads that are noticeable but never messy on the plant. The foliage is evergreen in all but the coldest of climates or in alpine settings. Growing well by the coast, it needs more water when growing in hot inland valleys. Sesleria autumnalis is not recommended for high or low desert gardens. Sesleria autumnalis does best in full sun but will tolerate light shade. Sesleria autumnalis will grow in a wide variety of soils from sand to clay.
Uses:
Sesleria autumnalis is useful as single specimens in small gardens and perennial borders or in groups and masses in larger gardens. It is a dependable large scale ground cover grass.
Planting/Spacing:
Plant Sesleria autumnalis 12-18" on-center depending on the desired effect and the addition of bulbs and flowering accents. It is best planted in fall or spring from plugs or pots but it can be planted any time of the year in all but the coldest climates as long as moisture is sufficient.
Coastal:
Sesleria autumnalis grows well by the coast but is untested in 1st exposure sea coast.
Slopes:
Sesleria autumnalis is not recommended for steep slopes in hot inland valleys but would work on lightly shaded slopes as long as moisture is sufficient.
Watering:
Sesleria autumnalis grows best with regular water and will not tolerate extended period of heat and drought. Drought tolerate in coastal settings, plantings in hotter inland valleys will need more water to look good in the hot summer months.
Diseases and pests: None!
Maintenance:
A very low maintenance grass, Sesleria autumnalis looks great year round. It does best, however, with a light trimming in fall or early spring to promote new growth. Sesleria autumnalis can be trimmed any time of year if foliage needs refreshing.
Alpine: Good to 8000'