Sesleria autumnalis 'Greenlee' is a tidy cool season grass with fine apple green blades that transition to soft gold in autumn. It forms rounded tufts with upright yet relaxed structure, adding movement and color throughout the growing season. Low maintenance and non aggressive, it mixes well with perennials or as a neutral base layer for bold color accents.
Height & Spread: 12 - 18 in x 12 - 18 in
Bloom Time: Late summer
Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade
Soil Preference: Average to dry well drained soils
Watering Needs: Low; drought tolerant once established
Deer Resistance: Deer resistant
Native Status
This selection originates from Sesleria autumnalis, a European species native to the Balkans and alpine meadows.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Butterflies
- Provides cover and shelter for butterflies such as Painted Lady and Red Admiral in mixed border plantings.
Bees
- Attracts ground nesting bees by providing undisturbed clumping space and minimal soil disturbance.
Birds
- Fine foliage offers nesting material for songbirds and late season seeds may be foraged by finches and sparrows.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Space 12 - 18 in apart for low maintenance drift plantings or matrix style meadows.
Landscape Placement:
- Excellent for sunny borders, low massed grass groupings, or as an edging component in modern or meadow style designs.
Companion Plants
- Achillea millefolium 'Moonshine' - Bright yellow blooms and ferny foliage pair well with Sesleria’s shifting greens.
- Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' - Offers vertical purple spires that contrast beautifully with the mounded green form.
- Allium schoenoprasum - Rounded purple flower heads echo the soft tufts of Sesleria and attract pollinators.
- Echinacea purpurea - Large daisy blooms provide strong contrast and attract butterflies and bees.
- Stachys byzantina - Silver felted foliage creates a cool tone contrast at ground level.