Sesleria 'Autumn Moor Grass'

Sesleria autumnalis: Subtle Glow with Evergreen Grace

Refined and quietly luminous, Sesleria autumnalis, or Autumn Moor Grass, brings soft colour and dependable structure to sun and shade alike. This cool-season grass forms low, fountain-like mounds of chartreuse-green foliage that holds its brightness through summer and deepens to golden tones in fall. In late summer, delicate silvery-green flower spikes emerge just above the foliage, adding gentle movement and fine texture. With its modest height and tidy habit, this grass is perfect for edging, underplanting, and creating calm transitions in mixed plantings.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 30–40 cm (in flower)
• Spread: 30–45 cm
• Flower Colour: Silvery-green aging to buff
• Flowering Period: Late summer to early fall
• Foliage: Bright chartreuse turning golden-green in fall; semi-evergreen
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to part shade
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained, average to dry soils; tolerant of poor soils and drought

Uses and Benefits: Autumn Moor Grass is ideal for naturalistic borders, woodland edges, and as a soft underplanting beneath taller perennials or shrubs. Its glowing foliage lightens shady corners, while its gentle form provides balance and rhythm in contemporary or classic designs. Tough, deer resistant, and low maintenance, it brings understated beauty and long-season performance to the garden.

Companion Plants: Pair Sesleria autumnalis with Heuchera 'Palace Purple' for rich, burgundy foliage that contrasts beautifully with the grass’s lime-toned blades. Add Coreopsis verticillata 'Moonbeam' for airy yellow flowers that brighten and extend the glow. Weave in Salvia nemorosa 'East Friesland' for upright violet-blue spires that provide structure and pollinator interest.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun to part shade in well-drained soil. Water regularly during establishment, then only during prolonged dry periods. Cut back spent foliage in early spring to encourage fresh growth. Divide every few years if clumps become too dense.

History: Native to the alpine meadows of Central and Southern Europe, Sesleria autumnalis has earned a place in modern gardens for its adaptability, subtle colour shifts, and easy-care nature. It is especially valued in naturalistic and minimalist planting schemes.

Final Thoughts: Soft, versatile, and quietly radiant, Sesleria autumnalis brings light and texture to the garden in every season—offering a graceful foundation that lets surrounding plants shine.