Sesleria autumnalis

Look forward to year-round colour and texture in the garden with a patch or two of evergreen Sesleria autumnalis, also known as autumn moor grass. Ornamental grasses are incredibly useful in gardens large and small, and award-winning Sesleria autumnalis or autumn moor-grass is among the best of them. Known as a grass for all seasons, this evergreen beauty will add variety, colour and shimmering seedheads at different times of the year, and acts as a wonderful textured backdrop for neighbouring plants.

Unusually for grasses, Sesleria autumnalis produces new growth in both spring and autumn, with bright lime-green, fine but rigid leaves that keep their vibrant hues well into the colder days of the year. In summer, you can enjoy its silvery-white silken seedheads, that shimmer and sway in the slightest breeze, adding a lovely element of movement to the garden. This compact ornamental grass with an impressively neat habit has won the ultimate seal of approval, the RHS Award of Garden Merit, for its excellent qualities which enable its strong garden performance.    

Like many ornamental grasses, Sesleria autumnalis, is wonderfully easy and low-maintenance, very tolerant of almost all soil types (except acidic) and of different aspects. It’s especially valuable for growing well in partial shade, such as east or north-facing borders, or in areas of the garden which don’t get the amount of sun many other ornamental grasses demand. Its bright lime green leaves provide continuous colour to the garden, it’s a great edging plant, spilling gently onto lawns without smothering them, or swaying next to courtyards and pathways where you can run your hands through its tactile leaves. Growing to about 60cm in height over time, Sesleria autumnalis is versatile and easy to manage. Almost anything looks good growing among it. Hardy geraniums and heuchera in particular make good planting partners.