Sesleria is an evergreen, clump forming perennial ornamental grass which is resilient in terms of hardiness and grows happily in most soil types. In addition to year-round greenery provided by the foliage, small white panicles of fluffy flowers appear during summer, making this plant an excellent backdrop or foil for other plants. It’s also perfect for defining edges of borders and paths, and looks impressive in large swathes. Sesleria can also be planted into patio containers for contemporary and low-maintenance year-round display.

How to plant

• Plant Sesleria in spring between February and May, ideally within a week of delivery.
  
• Soak the roots in water for 3-6 hours prior to planting. Pot into temporary 2 litre (or 15-20cm diameter) pots, using a good quality multi-purpose compost.
  
• Plant with the roots fully submerged in the compost. There will be some old foliage from the previous year which will be cut short. This should be left exposed above the soil surface. New shoots will emerge from the base of these dried stems.
  
• Grow them on in a sheltered spot outside. They can be transplanted to suitable growing positions after 2-4 months or once growth is established and the plants easily come out of the temporary pots with the soil held intact by the roots. A good indicator of when a plant is ready to be transplanted is when you see roots starting to emerge from the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot.
  
• When planting into the garden, choose a position in full sun or light shade. Sesleria tolerates most soil types, including loam, clay, chalk and sand. Dig over the area first to aerate the soil and remove any weeds.
  
• As with all young plants, monitor your new plantings for pest damage keep a clear area around the new plant to reduce competition from neighbouring plants.
  
• This ornamental grass is fully hardy and doesn’t require winter protection unless temperatures fall below around -20C.
  
• Water-in after planting and keep hydrated when in growth, particularly during the first year. Once fully settled in, they can cope well with dry conditions.

Aftercare

• Sesleria require very little in terms of maintenance, but to keep it looking fresh you can remove dead foliage and old flowering stems when needed.
  
• Unlike many other grasses, this is a cool season grass, meaning it will put on growth during autumn and spring, and can die back a little in summer.
  
• Sesleria will form a clump over time. If the clump start to look congested, you can lift and split clumps with a sharp spade in autumn or early spring. Each piece can then be replanted with sufficient space between them, or used in other parts of the garden.
  
• Cut back down to 10cm in early spring if needed to refresh and rejuvenate the plant.