About
Clump-forming deciduous grass about 1m in height with narrow, linear rich green leaves. Slender, airy plumes of tiny dark purple-black flowers, on deep purple-black vertical stems, are held above the foliage from summer to autumn, then turn orange-yellow by late autumn and, unusually for a molinia, into winter.
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
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, 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
PruningRemove dead foliage and old flowered stems, just before growth commences in spring
PropagationPropagate by division in spring. Pot up until established
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free