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 low maintenance. Suggested uses include coastal, cottage and informal garden, gravel garden, patio and container plants, rock garden, city and courtyard gardens, garden edging and flower borders and beds. It is native to Albania, Greece, Italy and NW. Balkan Pen..
About
Sesleria autumnalis, commonly known as autumn moor grass, is a species of grass within the family Poaceae. It is native to southeastern Europe and often used as ornamental ground cover in North America.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Sesleria autumnalis
About the genus
Sesleria is a genus of perennial plants in the grass family. They are native to Eurasia and North Africa. They are found in Albania, Austria, Baleares, Baltic States, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Corsica, Czechoslovakia, East Aegean Islands, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Crete, Crimea, Lebanon, Morocco, North Caucasus, Poland, Romania, Sardina, Sicilia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Transcaucasus, Turkey, Ukraine and Yugoslavia.
Wikipedia contributors, "Sesleria", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Sesleria
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
- Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden, City and courtyard gardens, Garden edging, Flower borders and beds
- Native to
- Albania, Greece, Italy, NW. Balkan Pen.
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Sesleria autumnalis
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained alkaline to neutral soils; tolerates dry conditions once established; suitable for rock gardens and borders; minimal fertilization needed.
- Pruning
- Cut back old foliage in late winter or early spring to encourage fresh growth.
- Propagation
- Seed sown in pots in a cold frame in spring or autumn, Division in spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Sesleria autumnalis?
Prefers well-drained alkaline to neutral soils; tolerates dry conditions once established; suitable for rock gardens and borders; minimal fertilization needed.
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?
Cut back old foliage in late winter or early spring to encourage fresh growth.
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 an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Sesleria autumnalis?
Seed sown in pots in a cold frame in spring or autumn, Division in spring.
More in the Sesleria genus
Browse all Sesleria →Last updated