Overview
Molinia caerulea subsp. arundinacea 'Black Arrows' is a clump forming, tufted grass like in the genus Molinia, part of the Poaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Molinia caerulea subsp. arundinacea 'Black Arrows' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, coastal, cottage and informal garden, gravel garden, patio and container plants, prairie planting, wildlife gardens, cut flowers and flower borders and beds.
About
Molinia caerulea, known by the common name purple moor-grass, is a species of grass that is native to Europe, west Asia, and north Africa. It grows in locations from the lowlands up to 2,300 m (7,546 ft) in the Alps.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Molinia
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing, North-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Molinia caerulea subsp. arundinacea 'Black Arrows' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Grass Like
- Habit
- Clump forming, Tufted
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Prairie planting, Wildlife gardens, Cut flowers, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Molinia caerulea subsp. arundinacea 'Black Arrows'
- Propagation
- Seed sown in pots in a cold frame in spring, Division in spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Molinia caerulea subsp. arundinacea 'Black Arrows'?
Molinia caerulea subsp. arundinacea 'Black Arrows' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Molinia caerulea subsp. arundinacea 'Black Arrows' need?
Molinia caerulea subsp. arundinacea 'Black Arrows' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Molinia caerulea subsp. arundinacea 'Black Arrows' hardy in the UK?
Molinia caerulea subsp. arundinacea 'Black Arrows' 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 subsp. arundinacea 'Black Arrows'?
Seed sown in pots in a cold frame in spring, Division in spring.
More in the Molinia genus
- Molinia
- 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 'Torch'PBRpurple moor-grass 'Torch'
- Molinia caerulea 'Transparent'
- Molinia caerulea 'Whirlwind'PBR