Sesleria caerulea

RHS Plant Profile
blue moor-grass

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blue moor-grass RHS 1999
Grass Like
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A compact, tufted evergreen grass with bluntly pointed, linear leaves, blue-green on the upper side, dark glossy green beneath; small, egg-shaped purplish flower heads open in spring, soon fading to pale buff

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H7

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Poaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Genus
Sesleria are clump-forming evergreen grasses with linear leaves and dense short flowering spikes in late spring or summer
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Europe

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile, well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soil in full sun or dappled shade. See ornamental grasses cultivation for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by seed in containers in a cold frame in spring or autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Garden edging
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Remove dead foliage as necessary

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free