Sesleria nitida
Gray Moor Grass
USDA 4-9
Native to central and southern Italy, this Sesleria has distinct gray green to gray blue foliage that is sharply pointed at the leaf tips. Foliage is 12-15" tall in tight clumps. The flowers are one of the first grasses to bloom in California gardens, often in late December or January. Flowers emerge showy white spikes and fade to tan. Sesleria nitida grows best in full sun but will tolerate light shade, especially in hot inland valleys. Sesleria nitida is best in well drained loam but will tolerate a wide variety of soils from sand to clay.
Uses:
Sesleria nitida 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 nitida 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.
Desert conditions:
Not recommended
Coastal:
Good coast to 2nd exposure seacoast
Slopes:
OK on slopes as an accent or grouping but not best for large scale plantings.
Watering:
Sesleria nitida 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.
Maintenance:
A very low maintenance grass, Sesleria nitida looks great year round. It does best, however, with a light trimming in fall or early spring to promote new growth. Sesleria nitida can be trimmed any time of year if foliage needs refreshing.
Diseases and pests: None!
Gray Moor Grass
USDA 4-9
Native to central and southern Italy, this Sesleria has distinct gray green to gray blue foliage that is sharply pointed at the leaf tips. Foliage is 12-15" tall in tight clumps. The flowers are one of the first grasses to bloom in California gardens, often in late December or January. Flowers emerge showy white spikes and fade to tan. Sesleria nitida grows best in full sun but will tolerate light shade, especially in hot inland valleys. Sesleria nitida is best in well drained loam but will tolerate a wide variety of soils from sand to clay.
Uses:
Sesleria nitida 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 nitida 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.
Desert conditions:
Not recommended
Coastal:
Good coast to 2nd exposure seacoast
Slopes:
OK on slopes as an accent or grouping but not best for large scale plantings.
Watering:
Sesleria nitida 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.
Maintenance:
A very low maintenance grass, Sesleria nitida looks great year round. It does best, however, with a light trimming in fall or early spring to promote new growth. Sesleria nitida can be trimmed any time of year if foliage needs refreshing.
Diseases and pests: None!
