How to Grow Sesleria
Sesleria autumnalis
Sesleria is a compact, clump-forming grass that thrives in dry shade, making it invaluable where other grasses fail. It forms neat mounds of narrow grey-green leaves to about 30-40 cm and produces short, purplish flower spikes in late spring. Semi-evergreen, it looks presentable year-round in mild climates. Plant 35-45 cm apart in any reasonable soil. Comb out dead foliage in early spring rather than cutting back hard. Divide congested clumps every four to five years in spring.
Yearly Lifecycle
Care Essentials
Rarely needed. Sesleria thrives on poor soils and excessive feeding produces floppy, untidy growth. A light scattering of general fertiliser in spring is ample if growth seems weak.
Watch For
- Rust (rarely serious)
- Slugs on young divisions
Care Requirements
Light
Sun to dry shade
Thrives in dry shade where few other grasses grow. Also performs well in full sun. Extremely adaptable to light conditions.
Watering
Drought-tolerant once established
Rarely needs supplementary water once established. Tolerates dry conditions under trees. Only water newly planted divisions until rooted.
Fertilizing
Rarely needed
Thrives on poor soils. Excessive feeding produces floppy, untidy growth. A light scattering of general fertiliser in spring is ample if growth seems weak.
Pruning
Comb out dead leaves in late winter
Do not cut back hard as sesleria is semi-evergreen. Gently comb out brown, dead foliage by hand or with a rake in late winter before new growth appears.
