Molinia caerulea 'Variegata' (Variegated Purple Moor Grass) — Grass

Overview

Molinia caerulea 'Variegata' is a grass in the genus Molinia, part of the Q43238 family. Molinia caerulea 'Variegata' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates moist and well-drained soils and acidic and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include ornamental, ground cover and borders. It is native to Europe.

About

Molinia caerulea 'Variegata' is a grass notable for its variegated leaves and purple summer flowers. It produces purple blooms from July to September. The cultivar tolerates exposed and sheltered sites and prefers moist, acidic to neutral soil. Plant it where moist, well-drained conditions can be maintained.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Molinia caerulea

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 'Variegata' is a cultivated form of a European moor grass, selected for its variegated foliage alongside the species' purple summer flowering. It flowers from July to September, offering late-summer colour when many other grasses are past peak. Native to Europe, the plant suits gardens that replicate a moist, open setting rather than dry soil. Position it in full sun to partial shade where the soil remains moist and well drained; it prefers acidic or neutral pH. The cultivar copes with both sheltered and exposed spots, so it can be used on margins that face prevailing winds as long as the soil retains adequate moisture. In British hardiness terms it is H5, meaning it is hardy in most UK gardens. Use Molinia caerulea 'Variegata' as an ornamental accent, in low ground-covering groups or at the back of borders where the variegation will lift surrounding planting. It also works where a lighter-leaved counterpoint is needed against darker shrubs. Expect purple flowering through July to September, when the variegated leaves and blooms combine to give late-summer structure and colour.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Molinia

Sunlight: full sun, partial shade
Soil type: moist, well-drained
Soil pH: acidic, neutral
Soil moisture: moist
Exposure: sheltered, exposed
UK hardiness: H5

Plant details

Molinia caerulea 'Variegata' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Grass
Suggested uses: ornamental, ground cover, borders
Native to: Europe

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Molinia caerulea 'Variegata'

Cultivation: Prefers moist, acidic to neutral soils in full sun to partial shade. Tolerates a range of soil types but does best in moist conditions.
Pruning: Cut back to ground level in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
Propagation: Division in spring or autumn

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Molinia caerulea 'Variegata'?

Prefers moist, acidic to neutral soils in full sun to partial shade. Tolerates a range of soil types but does best in moist conditions.

Where is the best place to plant Molinia caerulea 'Variegata'?

Molinia caerulea 'Variegata' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered and exposed positions.

What soil does Molinia caerulea 'Variegata' need?

Molinia caerulea 'Variegata' grows best in moist and well-drained soil. It prefers acidic and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.

How do I prune Molinia caerulea 'Variegata'?

Cut back to ground level in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.

Is Molinia caerulea 'Variegata' hardy in the UK?

Molinia caerulea 'Variegata' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.

How do I propagate Molinia caerulea 'Variegata'?

Division in spring or autumn.

More in the Molinia genus

Browse all Molinia →