Overview
Molinia caerulea 'Heidebraut' is a tufted, clump-forming grass in the genus Molinia, part of the Poaceae family, with linear, green foliage. Molinia caerulea 'Heidebraut' grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include ornamental grass, meadow planting and wildlife garden. It is native to Europe.
About
Molinia caerulea 'Heidebraut' is a tussock-forming grass in the Poaceae notable for its upright panicles of purple spikelets. Flowering runs July to September, when narrow purple seedheads rise above the foliage. It favours moist, acidic ground and is commonly found on heath and moor in Britain and Ireland. The clumps retain their seedheads into autumn, offering structure and movement as foliage dies back.
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 caerulea 'Heidebraut' is a tussock grass of the genus Molinia, with characteristic purple spikelets that make the flowering season immediately obvious. It occurs naturally across moorland and heath and has a wide native range in Europe, extending into west Asia and north Africa. The species forms dense clumps whose tall panicles carry colour from July to September. Plant it where soil remains reliably moist and acidic; the species is well adapted to low pH conditions and is a regular component of boggy, heathy ground. In the UK it survives winter conditions across most regions where these soils occur, so treat it as reliably hardy in garden terms. Allow space for the tussock to develop and avoid heavy summer drought if possible. In a garden setting Molinia caerulea 'Heidebraut' suits damp borders, meadow-style plantings and the margins of ponds where acidic soil can be maintained. It works effectively alongside heather and other acid-loving plants, and its purple seedheads provide autumn colour and airy, moving structure into winter. Leave the panicles in place through autumn for interest and wind-play.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Molinia
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Molinia caerulea 'Heidebraut' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Grass
- Habit
- Tufted, clump-forming
- Foliage
- Linear, green
- Suggested uses
- Ornamental grass, meadow planting, wildlife garden
- Native to
- Europe
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Molinia caerulea 'Heidebraut'
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, acidic soils; tolerates full sun to partial shade; benefits from division every few years to maintain vigor.
- Pruning
- Cut back to ground level in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Propagation
- Division, seed
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Molinia caerulea 'Heidebraut'?
Prefers moist, acidic soils; tolerates full sun to partial shade; benefits from division every few years to maintain vigor.
Where is the best place to plant Molinia caerulea 'Heidebraut'?
Molinia caerulea 'Heidebraut' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Molinia caerulea 'Heidebraut' need?
Molinia caerulea 'Heidebraut' grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Molinia caerulea 'Heidebraut'?
Cut back to ground level in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
Is Molinia caerulea 'Heidebraut' hardy in the UK?
Molinia caerulea 'Heidebraut' 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 caerulea 'Heidebraut'?
Division, seed.
More in the Molinia genus
- Molinia caerulea 'Black Arrows'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 altissimaMoor Grass