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| Category: Grass |
| Family: Poaceae (Gramineae) (Grasses) |
| Origin: Sweden (Europe) |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Flower Color: Purple |
| Bloomtime: Spring |
| Height: 1 foot |
| Width: 1-2 feet |
| Exposure: Sun or Shade |
| Seaside: Yes |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Medium Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: <15° F |
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Sesleria caerulea (Blue Moor Grass) - Evergreen clumping grass to 8 inches tall by 1 foot wide with narrow (3/16 inch wide) bicolored leaves: with the upper side a rich green and the underside a bluish-white and with both colors visible on the vertically held leaves; the plant has a definite blue cast. Dark purple flower spikes appear in spring accented with yellow anthers. Plant in full sun to light shade and irrigate regularly to occasionally - fairly drought tolerant but likes an occasional watering. This plant makes a slowly spreading clump that can be used to accent an edge of a rock or path and when planted close together can create a very nice solid grouncover in sun or part shade. Frost hardy and useful in gardens from USDA zones 5 (maybe 4) to 9. This species is widespread from Scandinavia and Eastern Europe west to the British Isles where it grows in grasslands in calcareous soils and in rock crevices and loose screes. The name for the genus honors the 18th century Italian physician and botanist, Leonardo Selser and the specific epithet is Latin for "dark-colored" or "dark blue" in reference to the color of the foliage. There have been several instances where spontaneous seedling hybrids have occurred between it and Sesleria autumnalis - one such hybrid found in John Greenlee's Pomona California nursery is called Sesleria 'Greenlee'.
Information on this page is based on research conducted in our nursery library, from online sources, as well as from observations made of this plant as it grows in our nursery, in the nursery's garden and in other gardens where we have observed it. We also will incorporate comments received from others and welcome getting feedback of any kind from those who have additional information, particularly if this information is contrary to what we have written or includes additional cultural tips would aid others in growing Sesleria caerulea.
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