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Molinia caerulea (Purple moor grass)
1 hour care
per year
per year
1.5m
Max height
Max height
0.6m
Max spread
Max spread
2-5 years
To maturity
To maturity
Plant details
Botanical name
Molinia caerulea
Other names
Purple moor grass
Genus
Molinia Molinia
Species
M. caerulea - M. caerulea is a clump-forming, deciduous perennial with flat, linear, mid-green leaves, flushed purple at the base, and yellow-flushed stems bearing dense, narrow panicles of dark purple flower spikelets from spring to autumn.
Molinia caerulea is: Deciduous
Habit
Compact, Clump-forming, Upright
Flower
Dark-purple in Summer; Dark-purple in Autumn
Foliage
Mid-green in Spring; Mid-green in Summer; Yellow-orange in Autumn
How to care
Watch out for
Pests
Generally pest-free.
Diseases
Generally disease-free.
General care
Pruning
For winter interest, remove dead leaves and old flowered stems in spring. Can be cut as early as late winter if desired.
Propagation methods
Division
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Where to grow
Molinia caerulea (Purple moor grass) will reach a height of 1.5m and a spread of 0.6m after 2-5 years.
Suggested uses
Beds and borders, Cottage/Informal, Gravel, Low Maintenance, Prairie planting, Woodland
Cultivation
Grow in any moderately fertile, preferably acid, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade.
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Sun
Aspect
North, South, East, West
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
Companion plants
Botanical name
Molinia caerulea
Other names
Purple moor grass
Genus
Molinia Molinia
Species
M. caerulea - M. caerulea is a clump-forming, deciduous perennial with flat, linear, mid-green leaves, flushed purple at the base, and yellow-flushed stems bearing dense, narrow panicles of dark purple flower spikelets from spring to autumn.
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Compact, Clump-forming, Upright
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Colour
Flower
Dark-purple in Summer; Dark-purple in Autumn
Foliage
Mid-green in Spring; Mid-green in Summer; Yellow-orange in Autumn
How to care
Watch out for
Pests
Generally pest-free.
Diseases
Generally disease-free.
General care
Pruning
For winter interest, remove dead leaves and old flowered stems in spring. Can be cut as early as late winter if desired.
Propagation methods
Division
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Molinia caerulea (Purple moor grass) will reach a height of 1.5m and a spread of 0.6m after 2-5 years.
Suggested uses
Beds and borders, Cottage/Informal, Gravel, Low Maintenance, Prairie planting, Woodland
Cultivation
Grow in any moderately fertile, preferably acid, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade.
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Sun
Aspect
North, South, East, West
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
USDA zones
Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5
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Molinia caerulea (Purple moor grass)
Molinia caerulea (Purple moor grass)
Molinia caerulea (Purple moor grass)
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types) | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Moist but well-drained, Well-drained | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Partial Shade, Full Sun | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | North, South, East, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Exposed, Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Hardy (H4) | Tell us... |
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