Overview
Molinia caerulea 'Poul Petersen' is a tufted, clump-forming grass in the genus Molinia, part of the Poaceae family, with linear, green foliage. Molinia caerulea 'Poul Petersen' 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 'Poul Petersen' is a tussock-forming perennial grass in the Poaceae noted for its long, narrow purple spikelets. It flowers from July to September, producing open panicles. Dense tussocks give the plant structural presence and make it resistant to heath fires. The cultivar is associated with moist, acidic sites in its native range.
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 'Poul Petersen' belongs to the genus Molinia and the grass family Poaceae and originates from parts of Europe, west Asia and north Africa. In the wild it occurs from lowland areas to mountain uplands and forms compact tussocks that carry long, narrow purple spikelets; flowering runs from July to September. Mature clumps can reach a substantial height and the panicles are a primary identification feature. Use acidic, consistently moist soil for reliable establishment: the species performs best on low-pH ground and is commonly found on heathland, bog and moor. It tolerates very acidic conditions and poor soils where many other garden grasses struggle. Plant into soil that remains damp through the growing season rather than a dry, free-draining bank. In UK gardens it suits bog gardens, heath-style plantings and naturalistic drifts where autumn and late-summer colour from the purple panicles is wanted. Space plants to allow the tussock to develop without overcrowding; established clumps can provide vertical structure through the summer. The long narrow purple spikelets from July to September are the plant's defining feature and the easiest characteristic to use when identifying the cultivar.
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 'Poul Petersen' 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 'Poul Petersen'
- 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 'Poul Petersen'?
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 'Poul Petersen'?
Molinia caerulea 'Poul Petersen' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Molinia caerulea 'Poul Petersen' need?
Molinia caerulea 'Poul Petersen' grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Molinia caerulea 'Poul Petersen'?
Cut back to ground level in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
Is Molinia caerulea 'Poul Petersen' hardy in the UK?
Molinia caerulea 'Poul Petersen' 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 'Poul Petersen'?
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 'Moorhexe'Purple Moor-Grass
- Molinia caerulea 'Transparent'
- Molinia altissimaMoor Grass