Overview

Molinia caerulea subsp. arundinacea 'Tears of Joy' is a clump forming, tufted grass like in the genus Molinia, part of the Poaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Molinia caerulea subsp. arundinacea 'Tears of Joy' 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 subsp. arundinacea 'Tears of Joy' is a deciduous, tufted grass cultivar belonging to the genus Molinia, which comprises clump-forming perennial grasses with flat, narrow leaves and upright stems bearing loose flowering panicles in summer. This cultivar thrives in moist but well-drained soils such as chalk, clay, loam, or sand, and is suitable for full sun or partial shade in a variety of garden settings including city gardens, coastal areas, and wildlife gardens. It is hardy to UK zone H7 and offers seasonal interest from spring through autumn.

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 'Tears of Joy' 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 'Tears of Joy'

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 'Tears of Joy'?

Molinia caerulea subsp. arundinacea 'Tears of Joy' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Molinia caerulea subsp. arundinacea 'Tears of Joy' need?

Molinia caerulea subsp. arundinacea 'Tears of Joy' 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 'Tears of Joy' hardy in the UK?

Molinia caerulea subsp. arundinacea 'Tears of Joy' 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 'Tears of Joy'?

Seed sown in pots in a cold frame in spring, Division in spring.

More in the Molinia genus

Browse all Molinia