Koeleria vallesiana 'Mountain Breeze' - Somerset Hair Grass

We are always on the lookout for hardy Koelerias and K. vallesiana hasn't disappointed us. Besides being hardy to Zone 3, it is a very attractive plant. Like the other two Koelerias, the main feature is its flowers. Its profuse blooms are displayed several inches above the steel blue foliage, which is a nice contrast to the bright yellow-green flowers.

K. 'Mountain Breeze' is a seed grown variety, so if you do see any seedlings, consider them a bonus, or if you wish to keep a neatly organized patch, simply scratch them out.

Like Fescues, too much water is not good for Koelerias. Good drainage will increase their longevity and will result in the best looking plant.

Description: cool season; clump forming
Foliage is steel blue-green; narrow blade width; 25-30 cm (10-12") in height
Flowers in May to July; 40-45 (16-18") tall

Ideal conditions: full sun to light shade; needs good drainage; water when dry but do not overwater; lightly fertilize but only in extremely poor soil

Coldest zone: 3 - 8 (find your zone; further info on plant hardiness)

Season of interest: early spring into winter

Plant and divide: mid spring to early fall; clip off flower stalks

Suggested uses: containers, specimen, rock garden, drifts, groups and massed

Partner with: Sedums, Fescues, Salix purpurea Nana, Carex flacca, Allium sinescens ssp montanum, Artemisia 'Morris Strain'

Drought tolerance rating: 2 (water to root depth every two weeks) further info

Recommended spacing between plants: 30-45 cm (12-18") why such a difference?

Native to: Europe

Pronunciation: Koeleria (koh-LAIR-ee-uh)

More ornamental grasses

Compare Koeleria vallesiana 'Mountain Breeze' to our other grasses in this handy chart.