Overview
Molinia caerulea 'Moorhexe' is a tufted, clump-forming grass in the genus Molinia, part of the Poaceae family, with linear, green foliage. Molinia caerulea 'Moorhexe' 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 'Moorhexe' is a perennial, tussock-forming grass in the Poaceae valued for its narrow, purple flower spikelets. It produces upright clumps that set blooms from July to September. Leaves are narrow and form the tussock from which the flower stems rise. The purple panicles are the main seasonally visible feature.
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 'Moorhexe' belongs to the genus Molinia and the grass family Poaceae; it is the cultivated form of purple moor-grass that occurs naturally on moors and bogs. In the wild it is associated with acidic, moist sites, and 'Moorhexe' carries that preference into garden use, where it performs best where soils remain on the acid side and do not dry out completely. Plant into a free-draining but moisture-retentive spot with an acid to neutral pH; avoid lime-rich soils. Sit the clump where it receives open light — the species typically carries its flower stems above the leaves through summer, so at least a mostly sunny aspect suits it best. Cut back the previous season's foliage in late winter or early spring before new growth begins to keep the tussock tidy and to encourage fresh summer flowering. In a UK planting scheme it works with heathland or bog-style beds, alongside heathers and other acid-loving perennials, or as a specimen clump on a damp border edge. Expect the purple flower spikes in July to September, which provide summer colour and structure through the season.
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 'Moorhexe' 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 'Moorhexe'
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, acidic to neutral soils; tolerates partial shade; avoid dry conditions; 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 'Moorhexe'?
Prefers moist, acidic to neutral soils; tolerates partial shade; avoid dry conditions; benefits from division every few years to maintain vigor.
Where is the best place to plant Molinia caerulea 'Moorhexe'?
Molinia caerulea 'Moorhexe' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Molinia caerulea 'Moorhexe' need?
Molinia caerulea 'Moorhexe' grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Molinia caerulea 'Moorhexe'?
Cut back to ground level in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
Is Molinia caerulea 'Moorhexe' hardy in the UK?
Molinia caerulea 'Moorhexe' 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 'Moorhexe'?
Division, seed.
More in the Molinia genus
- Molinia caerulea 'Black Arrows'Purple Moor-grass
- Molinia caerulea 'Heidebraut'Purple Moor-grass
- Molinia caerulea 'Karl Foerster'Purple Moor-grass
- Molinia caerulea 'Poul Petersen'Purple Moor-grass
- Molinia caerulea 'Transparent'
- Molinia altissimaMoor Grass