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.
Buy Molinia caerulea subsp. arundinacea (Moor Grass)
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 |
* 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 |