Overview
Molinia is a clump forming, tufted grass like in the genus Molinia, part of the Poaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Molinia grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, coastal, cottage and informal garden, gravel garden, patio and container plants, prairie planting, wildlife gardens, cut flowers and flower borders and beds.
About
Molinia is a genus of tufted, deciduous perennial grasses in the Poaceae family, known for their flat, narrow leaves and upright stems bearing loose flowering panicles in summer. This clump-forming grass thrives in full sun or partial shade and adapts well to various soil types including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, preferring moist but well-drained conditions. Hardy to UK zone H7, Molinia suits a range of garden settings from city courtyards to wildlife and cottage gardens. It is typically propagated by seed sown in pots within a cold frame or by division in spring, with interest spanning spring through autumn.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Molinia
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing, North-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Molinia size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Grass Like
- Habit
- Clump forming, Tufted
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Prairie planting, Wildlife gardens, Cut flowers, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Molinia
- Propagation
- Seed sown in pots in a cold frame in spring, Division in spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Molinia?
Molinia prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Molinia need?
Molinia is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Molinia hardy in the UK?
Molinia has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Molinia?
Seed sown in pots in a cold frame in spring, Division in spring.
More in the Molinia genus
- Molinia caerulea 'Black Arrows'Purple Moor-grass
- Molinia caerulea 'Heidebraut'Purple Moor-grass
- Molinia caerulea 'Karl Foerster'Purple Moor-grass
- Molinia caerulea 'Moorhexe'Purple Moor-Grass
- Molinia caerulea 'Torch'PBRpurple moor-grass 'Torch'
- Molinia caerulea 'Transparent'
- Molinia caerulea 'Whirlwind'PBR
- Molinia caerulea subsp. arundinacea 'Black Arrows'
