About
Molinia altissima is a species of grass in the genus Molinia, one of the moor grasses. As a member of that genus it shares a heritage with grasses from damp moorland in Eurasia and northern Africa. It is an herbaceous perennial and flowers from July to September. Its season of blooms provides mid- to late-summer vertical emphasis in planting schemes.
About the genus
Molinia, or moor grass, is a genus of two species of flowering plants in the grass family, native to damp moorland in Eurasia and northern Africa. They are both herbaceous perennial grasses.
Wikipedia contributors, "Molinia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Molinia
In the garden
Molinia altissima sits within the Molinia group commonly called moor grass and traces its botanical name to the same genus. The Molinia grasses are herbaceous perennials associated with damp moorland habitats; the genus was named for the naturalist Juan Ignacio Molina. For gardeners, Molinia altissima offers the seasonal presence of flowering stems in the UK from July to September. Positioning should reflect its moorland connections: choose locations where soil retains some moisture and where taller grass stems can be seen against lower planting. It suits informal, naturalistic groupings or mixed borders where a skeleton of upright stems is desirable during the summer months. Use in small drifts or alongside moisture-tolerant perennials to create movement and summer height without needing intensive grooming. When planning beds, allow space for the grass to form clumps and for flowering stems to rise clear of neighbouring plants. The summer flowering window makes it useful for bridging earlier spring bloomers and later autumn interest. Expect its flowering period of July to September to be the main seasonal feature to position it where those stems will be visible and enjoyed.
More in the Molinia genus
- Molinia
- Molinia caeruleapurple moor-grass
- 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 'Poul Petersen'Purple Moor-grass
- Molinia caerulea 'Torch'PBRpurple moor-grass 'Torch'