Sesleria nitida
shining moor grass
Central and southern Italy and Sicily
Overview
Sesleria nitida is a clump-forming, evergreen ornamental grass in the grass family, forming dense tufts of arching blue-grey leaves 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) high and about as wide. The narrow leaves are 8-14 inches (20-35 cm) long, smooth and somewhat glaucous on the upper surface with a paler, silvery underside, giving the clump a two-tone, shimmering look as it moves. In mid to late spring, slender stems rise to 20-24 inches (50-60 cm) bearing short, dense flower spikes 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) long that open silvery grey-purple and age to straw. The grass keeps its foliage through winter in mild climates, fading to grey-green in cold spells. It grows from a slowly expanding crown rather than running, staying as a contained clump. One limitation is that the centers of old clumps can die out, leaving a ring, and the foliage can look ragged by late winter and needs a spring tidy-up.
Native Range
Sesleria nitida is native to the mountains of central and southern Italy and Sicily, where it grows on limestone slopes, rocky ledges, and in open, sunny grassland.Suggested Uses
Used in gravel gardens, rock gardens, dry borders, and as low edging, and in mass plantings as groundcover. The blue-grey foliage combines with purple, silver, and yellow-flowered perennials and other grasses. It is grown for year-round foliage color in sunny, well-drained sites.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 1'6"
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Colors
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs in mid to late spring, earlier than many ornamental grasses, with short grey-purple spikes held on slender stems above the foliage. The spikes age to a straw color and persist into summer. The blue-grey foliage stays evergreen after the spikes fade.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Blue-grey with silvery undersidesGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-9 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grow Sesleria nitida in full sun to partial shade in well-drained soil, including dry, stony, and alkaline ground. It is drought-tolerant once established and tolerates heat and poor soil, though sharp drainage is needed to prevent crown rot. Water during the first season, then only in extended drought. A neutral to alkaline pH of 6.5 to 8.0 suits it, and feeding is not required. Comb or cut out dead leaves in early spring to refresh the clump. Divide congested clumps in spring when the centers thin.Pruning
Comb through the clump by hand or cut it back lightly in early spring to remove dead winter foliage, leaving the evergreen base intact. Trim spent flower stems after they fade. Divide and replant the clump in spring if the center dies out.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early spring
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons