Overview
Sesleria autumnalis is a tufted grass like in the genus Sesleria, part of the Poaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Sesleria autumnalis grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and alkaline and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is a holder of the RHS Award of Garden Merit and low maintenance. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden. It is native to Italy to Balkan Peninsula.
About
Sesleria autumnalis is a perennial grass that maintains its greenery year-round, reaching heights of up to 60 cm. It develops a tidy clump of narrow, textured leaves that range from yellow to chartreuse. In summer, it produces tall, upright flower panicles with creamy-white blooms, serving as a solid foundation or backdrop for surrounding plants.
About the genus
Sesleria consists of evergreen grasses that grow in clumps, featuring narrow leaves and compact flowering spikes that emerge in late spring or summer.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Sesleria
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Sesleria autumnalis size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Grass Like
- Habit
- Tufted
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden
- Native to
- Italy to Balkan Peninsula
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Sesleria autumnalis
- Cultivation
- Grow in a moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil. Intolerant of acid soil. See ornamental grasses cultivation for further advice
- Pruning
- Remove dead foliage and old flowered stems in spring
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame in spring or autumn or by division in spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Sesleria autumnalis?
Grow in a moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil. Intolerant of acid soil. See ornamental grasses cultivation for further advice.
Where is the best place to plant Sesleria autumnalis?
Sesleria autumnalis prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Sesleria autumnalis need?
Sesleria autumnalis is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It prefers alkaline and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
How do I prune Sesleria autumnalis?
Remove dead foliage and old flowered stems in spring.
How big does Sesleria autumnalis grow?
Sesleria autumnalis reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Sesleria autumnalis hardy in the UK?
Sesleria autumnalis has a UK hardiness rating of H7.
How do I propagate Sesleria autumnalis?
Propagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame in spring or autumn or by division in spring.