About
Clump-forming deciduous grass 2.1- 2.4m in height with narrow, linear grey-green leaves. Slender airy plumes of tiny dark purple flowers, on strongly upright yellow-tinted stems, are held high above the foliage from summer to autumn, the stems and leaves turn golden-yellow by late autumn.
About the genus
Molinia are deciduous perennial grasses, tufted in habit, with flat, linear leaves and erect stems bearing open flowering panicles in summer
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHNeutral, Acid
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing, North-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeGrass Like
HabitClump forming, Tufted
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Prairie planting, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationWill grow in full sun or part shade in any moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil, but prefers neutral to acidic soil. See ornamental grasses cultivation
PruningCut down dead foliage and old flowered stems, just before growth commences in spring
PropagationPropagate by division in spring. Pot up until established
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to Acer gall mite, aphids, caterpillars and horse chestnut scale
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to Verticillium wilt, Acer leaf scorch and honey fungus