Molinia caerulea - Purple Moor Grass

Purple moor grass will grow quite well as a ground cover in wet acid soils. It also looks great on its own, especially grown in containers where it can take on a more formal appearance.

Molinia caerulea is slow to establish.

Description: cool season; clump forming
Foliage is green; blade width is medium; 30-40 cm (12-16") in height
Flowers from mid-summer to frost; 60-70 cm (24-28") tall; well above the foliage

Ideal conditions: full sun in cool climates; shade and ample water in hot dry locations; its preference is moist, fertile soil and it will do well in acid soil

Coldest zone: 4 (find your zone; further info on plant hardiness)

Partner with: Luzula sylvatica, Epimediums, Kalimeris incisa, Coreopsis tripteris, Salix irrorata

Season of interest: mid-summer to winter

Suggested uses: specimen, groups

Drought tolerance rating: 3 (water to root depth once a week) further info

Native to: moist places - UK, Europe, Asia

Recommended spacing between plants: 30-70 cm (12-28") why such a difference?

Pronunciation: Molinia (moh-LIN-ee-ah) caerulea (ser-OO-lee-ah)

More ornamental grasses

Compare Molinia caerulea to our other grasses in this handy chart.