Alphabetical Plant Listing

Molinia caerulea subsp. arundinacea (Moor Grass)

Purple Moor Grass, Tall Moor Grass


Molinia caerulea subsp. arundinacea (Purple Moor Grass) is an exceptionally lovely and graceful ornamental grass. Tall, with an open growth habit, it exhibits arching thread-like leaves topped in summer with a haze of delicate flower spikes, that sway gracefully in the slightest breeze. Emerging green then fading to purplish-brown to finally mature to golden shades, they provide a long season of interest extending into the fall.

  • Translucent, it mixes beautifully with almost any perennial to create a lush environment thanks, to its stature and numerous stems, as well as spectacular and elegantly mobile combinations. Perfect for the middle of the border, this is also a graceful accent plant for the garden or for naturalized meadows thanks to its ability to self-sow.
  • Growing easily in a dense fountain-like clump about 5-8 ft. tall (150-240 cm) and 2-4 ft. across (60-120 cm), it enjoys full sun or light shade and average, medium to wet, well-drained soils. Prefers acid to neutral soils. Some drought tolerance once established.
  • Wet soil tolerant, it requires very little care, is deer resistant, and provides weeks of interest from summer to fall
  • Main varieties of Molinia caerulea subsp. arundinacea:
    'Karl Foester', very erect with deep purple plumes atop bright golden stems;
    'Sky Racer', one of the tallest with profuse purplish flower spikes rising well above the foliage. Both spikes and foliage turn attractively golden-orange in fall;
    'Tranparent' features fine, stiff stems topped with deep purple spikes.

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Requirements

Hardiness 5 – 8
Heat Zones 1 – 9
Climate Zones 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17
Plant Type Ornamental Grasses
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Height 4' – 8' (120cm – 240cm)
Spread 2' – 4' (60cm – 120cm)
Spacing 24" – 48" (60cm – 120cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Deer, Drought
Attracts Birds
Garden Uses Beds and Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow

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* Picture is courtesy of Botanik Foto

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.


Requirements

Hardiness 5 – 8
Heat Zones 1 – 9
Climate Zones 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17
Plant Type Ornamental Grasses
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Height 4' – 8' (120cm – 240cm)
Spread 2' – 4' (60cm – 120cm)
Spacing 24" – 48" (60cm – 120cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Deer, Drought
Attracts Birds
Garden Uses Beds and Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow

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Molinia caerulea subsp. arundinacea (Moor Grass)

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