Sesleria caerulea - Blue Moor Grass

A wide range of conditions will suit Blue Moor grass and like S. heufleriana it is best to supply ample moisture in hot dry areas.

Very good for mass planting and as a large scale groundcover. Does not take the amount of traffic that a lawn grasses can stand, but with very little traffic it makes a good lawn substitute. Also good for edging and between stepping stones.

Looks nice with early spring bulbs. Blue Moor grass also makes a great groundcover or can be used as a filler plant in borders.

The Latin word caerulea means sky blue or true blue.

Description: cool season; clump forming
Foliage is blue on the surface; dark green on the underside; medium blade width; 20-25 cm 80-10") in height
Flowers bloom in early spring; very dark purple; 35-40 cm (14-16") tall

Ideal conditions: full sun to part shade; moist fertile soil; alkaline and drought tolerant; part shade to shade in hot dry climates.

Coldest zone: 4 (find your zone; further info on plant hardiness)

Partner with: early Narcissus, Crocus, Spodiopogon sibiricus, Astilbe

Season of interest: year-round (semi-evergreen)

Native to: calcium-rich soils in woods and meadows of northern and eastern Europe and the UK

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

Recommended spacing between plants: 25-40 cm (10-24") why such a difference?

Pronunciation: Sesleria (ses-LER-ee-ah) caerulea (ser-ROO-lee-ah)

More ornamental grasses

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