About
Molinia caerulea, the purple moor-grass, is a clump-forming, deciduous grass variable in height from 50 to 180 cm depending on cultivar, with thin, linear, fresh-green leaves. Slender, airy panicles of tiny, dark-purple spikelets on dainty, arching, yellow-tinted stems are produced from summer to autumn. In autumn stems and leaves turn a vivid orange and gold before dying back. A beautiful and adaptable ornamental grass for a sunny or partly shaded, moist border.
About the genus
Molinia, the moor-grasses, are deciduous, tufted, clump-forming perennial grasses with flat, linear leaves and erect stems bearing open, graceful flowering panicles in summer and autumn, with outstanding autumn colour. Grown in moist, sunny or partly shaded borders.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHNeutral, Acid
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing, North-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeGrass Like
HabitClump forming, Tufted
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Prairie planting, Wildlife gardens
Native toEurope Asia
Care notes
CultivationWill grow in full sun or part shade in any moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil, but prefers neutral to acidic soil. See ornamental grasses cultivation
PruningCut down dead foliage and old flowered stems, just before growth commences in spring
PropagationPropagate species by seed sown in pots in a cold frame in spring or by division in spring. Pot up until established
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free