Overview

Molinia caerulea 'Karl Foerster' is a tufted, clump-forming grass in the genus Molinia, part of the Poaceae family, with linear, green foliage. Molinia caerulea 'Karl Foerster' 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 'Karl Foerster' is a perennial, tussock-forming grass valued for its upright habit and narrow, purple flowering panicles. The blooms appear in the UK between July and September. It originates from the Molinia genus within the grass family Poaceae and suits moist, acidic ground. Plants form neat clumps that give vertical structure through summer and into autumn.

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 'Karl Foerster' belongs to the Molinia genus in the grass family Poaceae and originates from regions where moorland and wet heaths occur. In cultivation it behaves as a herbaceous, tussock-forming perennial, producing narrow purple panicles in the UK from July to September that add late-summer height and texture. Site choice should favour open, preferably sunny positions with reliably moist, acidic soils; the species is well adapted to peaty or humus-rich ground and tolerates exposure typical of upland and moorland settings. Avoid very dry, alkaline soils if you want the clumps to remain vigorous. Plants establish as distinct clumps, so allow space for their upright form when planting in groups or drifts. Use 'Karl Foerster' to create vertical lines in mixed herbaceous borders, alongside bog gardens and pond margins, or in naturalistic schemes where seasonal structure matters. The purple panicles make effective late-summer colour and, when planted in small groups, the upright tussocks read clearly against lower perennials and evergreen backdrops. Positioning a few clumps where their seedheads can catch the light will extend their interest beyond the main flowering months.

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 'Karl Foerster' 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 'Karl Foerster'

Cultivation

Prefers moist, acidic to neutral 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

More in the Molinia genus

• 
  Molinia caerulea 'Black Arrows'Purple Moor-grass
• 
  Molinia caerulea 'Heidebraut'Purple Moor-grass
• 
  Molinia caerulea 'Moorhexe'Purple Moor-Grass
• 
  Molinia caerulea 'Poul Petersen'Purple Moor-grass
• 
  Molinia caerulea 'Transparent'
• Molinia altissimaMoor Grass