Growing Sesleria

Latin Name Pronunciation:  sess-lair' ee-ah

Sesleria, commonly called Moor Grass, is a genus of approximately 20 perennial Grasses from Europe, western Asia, and North Africa. These durable, easy-to-grow cool-season Grasses bloom early, grow actively from early spring until hot weather arrives, and remain evergreen or semi-evergreen in mild winter areas. Seslerias are adapted to harsh conditions, a wide range of soils (including alkaline), and tolerate more heat and drought than most cool-season Grasses.

Growing Sesleria

Plant the crown just at soil level, or slightly above if you will be adding mulch. Spacing is indicated on the back of the plant tag.

Light: Sun.

Watering: Dry to medium.

Fertilizer: Not necessary, although an occasional topdressing of compost is beneficial. Mulch with dried Grass clippings or light shredded bark/Pine bark.

Soil: Well-drained soil; tolerates high alkalinity, rocky, poor soils, regular garden soil, and juglone from Black Walnut trees.

Pests/Diseases: Generally pest- and disease-free.

Dividing/Transplanting: Divide if needed, or to increase the number of plants, in early spring or fall.

End-of-Season Care:  Most Seslerias will remain green through the winter. Cut back to the ground to make way for fresh new foliage in very early spring, before growth begins. If evergreen in your climate, lightly trim any winter-burned foliage. Leave foliage trimmings in place as mulch.