Blue moor grass
Sesleria caerulea · Poaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant blue moor grass: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen, fine and blue-grey
- Flowering
- Spring (April-May), purple spikes
- Adult size
- 30-40 cm tall, 20-30 cm wide
- Growth
- Moderate
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (-20 °C)
- Origin
- Alps and mountainous areas of Central Europe
- Soil type
- Well-drained, chalky, undemanding
Care
Exposure
Sesleria caerulea prefers full sun or partial shade. It will tolerate light shade but will be more compact and its blue coloration more pronounced in sunny conditions. Avoid overly shaded spots which slow its growth.
Soil and planting
This blue fescue enjoys well-drained soils, even poor or chalky ones. It dislikes waterlogging. At planting, work the soil lightly without excessive organic matter; it adapts well to rocky or sloping terrain. Light mulching at the base is sufficient.
Watering
Once established, Sesleria caerulea is very drought-tolerant thanks to its deep root system. Water moderately at planting and during the first two summers, then reduce watering almost completely. In very dry regions, occasional summer watering can boost vigour.
Pruning and maintenance
Comb or lightly prune in late winter (February-March) to remove dead parts and accumulated debris. You can partially cut back after flowering if you wish to maintain a compact habit. Avoid severe pruning which would stress the plant.
Fertiliser
Sesleria caerulea requires no regular fertiliser applications. Poor or even chalky soil suits it perfectly. Excess nutrients promote loose growth and reduce hardiness. Reserve any mineral application for when soil is extremely depleted.
Diseases and pests
This perennial grass is remarkably healthy and disease-resistant. No specific pests or diseases really threaten it. The only risks come from excessive winter moisture (rare root rot). Good drainage will prevent any problems.
Did you know?
Sesleria caerulea is nicknamed the 'Alpine blue fescue' and has long been used in rock gardens for its attractive arching habit and distinctive blue-grey colouring. It is historically one of the oldest ornamental grasses in European gardens and remains a star in modern minimalist designs.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Tufted hair grassDeschampsia cespitosa
- Wavy hair-grassAvenella flexuosa
- Purple moor-grassMolinia caerulea
- Reed canary-grassPhalaris arundinacea
- Common quaking grassBriza media
- Creeping soft-grassHolcus mollis
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.