Overview
Molinia arundinacea 'Transparent' is a tufted perennial grass in the genus Molinia, part of the Poaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Molinia arundinacea 'Transparent' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates moist and well-drained soil soils and acidic to neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include ornamental grass borders, naturalistic plantings and meadow gardens. It is native to Europe.
About
A clump-forming perennial grass with tall, slender stems and airy, translucent flower panicles that sway gracefully in the wind.
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
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Molinia
- Sunlight
- full sun, partial shade
- Soil type
- moist, well-drained soil
- Soil pH
- acidic to neutral
- Soil moisture
- moist
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing, West-facing, South-facing
- Exposure
- sheltered to exposed
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Molinia arundinacea 'Transparent' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial grass
- Habit
- Tufted
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- ornamental grass borders, naturalistic plantings, meadow gardens
- Native to
- Europe
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Molinia arundinacea 'Transparent'
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, fertile soil; tolerates partial shade; benefits from mulching in winter.
- Pruning
- Cut back to ground level in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Propagation
- division in spring or autumn
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Molinia arundinacea 'Transparent'?
Prefers moist, fertile soil; tolerates partial shade; benefits from mulching in winter.
Where is the best place to plant Molinia arundinacea 'Transparent'?
Molinia arundinacea 'Transparent' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered to exposed positions.
What soil does Molinia arundinacea 'Transparent' need?
Molinia arundinacea 'Transparent' grows best in moist and well-drained soil soil. It prefers acidic to neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.
How do I prune Molinia arundinacea 'Transparent'?
Cut back to ground level in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
Is Molinia arundinacea 'Transparent' hardy in the UK?
Molinia arundinacea 'Transparent' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Molinia arundinacea 'Transparent'?
Division in spring or autumn.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Molinia genus
- 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 'Transparent'
- Molinia caerulea 'Variegata'Variegated Purple Moor Grass