Blue moor grass (Sesleria caerulea) is a perennial herbaceous grass that grows very close to the ground. It gives a delicate and elegant structure to the landscape architecture and should be utilized in the garden more often.
Let’s take a closer look at this low-maintenance grass and its uses.
General Information
Blue moor grass is a European native that is a low-growing, easy-to-grow grass with a dense evergreen mound of velvety, two-toned leaves that are blue on top and dark green underneath. It can grow in dry and wet climates and should thrive in average garden conditions.
This grass creates a long-lasting, flexible, and non-invasive ground cover. It gets its scientific name from Leonardo Sesler, a physician and botanist from the 18th century.
Sesleria caerulea excels as a filler between larger grasses or as a pathway edging. It also looks great when massed. The plant has distinct dark purple flower spikes with golden anthers that emerge in the spring and mature to a height of 12 inches and a width of 10 inches. It doesn’t require front cover plants because of its thick foliage.
It has a slow growth rate and can be expected to live for around ten years under ideal conditions. As an evergreen perennial, this plant will keep its shape and foliage throughout the year.
Care and Maintenance
Sesleria caerulea is a low-care grass that looks fantastic all year. The plants will thrive without much attention if grown in the proper conditions.
Cultivation
Although Sesleria caerulea can grow in many soil types, it prefers a well-drained loam. Grow this grass in neutral to slightly alkaline soil in full sun or partial shade. It grows best in plugs or pots in the fall or spring, but it can be planted at any time of year as long as there is adequate moisture; but will do best if planted in the spring or fall.
Watering
Sesleria caerulea demands more water than other Sesleria species. It requires frequent watering to thrive and cannot endure prolonged heat or drought. It needs to be watered to root depth every two weeks. It is drought-tolerant in coastal areas. However, plants in hotter regions will need more water to stay verdant during the summer.
Pruning
Light pruning in the fall or spring encourages new growth. The foliage can be trimmed any time of year if it needs to be rejuvenated. Remove any dead foliage as needed.
Propagation
Sow seeds in receptacles in a cold frame in the spring or fall. Plant division helps to revitalize aged plants. Clumps can be easily divided in the spring or fall, as well.
Landscape Uses
Sesleria caerulea is a versatile plant used as a specimen in small gardens and perennial borders or groupings in larger gardens. It’s a good ground cover grass for vast areas. As an ornamental grass, its unusual leaf color adds interest. The blades of this fascinating two-tone grass twist and curl to showcase the grass’s upper dark-green and lower cool-blue sides.
It can be used as a lawn alternative in regions with less activity; however, it cannot handle as much traffic as lawn grasses. Some gardeners use it as filler between stepping stones. Blue moor grass is grown for its beautiful spring-summer blooms and blue-green foliage.
Once established, this grass is drought tolerant. It can also survive harsh coastal conditions.
Companion Plants
Garden design principles can be used to establish beautiful and healthy plant combinations. Companion plants not only look great together but should also require similar amounts of light and water.
Crocus
Crocus flowers are one of the first bloomers you’ll see in gardens. They bloom early and spectacularly after a long winter, attracting hungry bees with colorful blossoms and aromatic perfume. Crocus plants multiply and return yearly, bringing more flowers each time.
Established plants need water in the fall to promote root growth and spring for blooming.
Spodiopogon sibiricus
Frost grass, also known as Spodiopogon sibiricus, is a bamboo-like leaf that can exhibit stunning patterns with burgundy or wine colors late in the season. It stands erect in the winter and can be used as a winter adornment. Unlike some decorative grasses, it is not invasive.
Frost grass prefers moist, well-drained, healthy soil and thrives in full sun or partial shade. It grows poorly in hot, dry conditions. If it doesn’t get enough light, it will fail.
Elijah Blue
Elijah blue fescue grass is a popular, low-maintenance ornamental grass. Its blue foliage forms spiky mounds with silver flowers.
Compact varieties are ideal for small gardens and containers since they do not choke out their garden companions. Blonde seed heads develop on long stalks between late spring and early summer.
