Overview
Sesleria nitida 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 nitida grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and alkaline and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, gravel garden and patio and container plants. It is native to Italy and Sicily.
About
Sesleria nitida is a compact, evergreen grass that typically reaches heights of approximately 60 cm. It features an upright to arching growth form and possesses narrow leaves that range in color from pale grey-green to grey-blue, showcasing darker undersides. Flowering occurs from mid to late spring, when slender stems emerge, adorned with nearly black spikelets that bloom into small white flowers.
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, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Sesleria nitida 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
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants
- Native to
- Italy and Sicily
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Sesleria nitida
- Cultivation
- Grow in moderately fertile, well drained, neutral to alkaline soil in full sun or dappled shade. See ornamental grasses cultivation
- Pruning
- Remove dead foliage and old flowered stems as necessary
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed, or by division after flowering in spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Sesleria nitida?
Grow in moderately fertile, well drained, neutral to alkaline soil in full sun or dappled shade. See ornamental grasses cultivation.
Where is the best place to plant Sesleria nitida?
Sesleria nitida prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Sesleria nitida need?
Sesleria nitida is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It prefers alkaline and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How do I prune Sesleria nitida?
Remove dead foliage and old flowered stems as necessary.
How big does Sesleria nitida grow?
Sesleria nitida 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 nitida hardy in the UK?
Sesleria nitida has a UK hardiness rating of H5.
How do I propagate Sesleria nitida?
Propagate by seed, or by division after flowering in spring.