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 H7. 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 Italy and Sicilia.
About
Sesleria nitida, commonly known as shining moor-grass or nest moor-grass, is a tufted, evergreen grass-like perennial from the genus Sesleria. Native to Eurasia and North Africa, it grows to a height of 0.5 to 1 metre with a spread of 0.1 to 0.5 metres, reaching full size in 2 to 5 years. This grass thrives in full sun or partial shade on well-drained alkaline or neutral soils such as chalk, loam, or sand. It is suitable for east, south, or west-facing aspects and can tolerate both exposed and sheltered conditions, offering interest throughout spring, summer, and winter.
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, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
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
- 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
- Italy, Sicilia
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Sesleria nitida
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained alkaline or neutral soils; tolerates full sun to partial shade; suitable for various garden settings including coastal and rock gardens
- Pruning
- Cut back old foliage in 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 nitida?
Prefers well-drained alkaline or neutral soils; tolerates full sun to partial shade; suitable for various garden settings including coastal and rock gardens.
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?
Cut back old foliage in early spring to encourage fresh growth.
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 an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Sesleria nitida?
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