Description
Molinia –
There are 2 or 3 species of loosely or densely tufted, perennial grasses in this genus. They occur in damp moorland in Eurasia. They are grown for their attractive habit, autumn foliage, and graceful, dense to open panicles of compressed spikelets, each with 4 florets, held well above the foliage and may have a purple shade. Grow in a mixed or herbaceous border, or woodland garden or near water or in a rock garden between rocks.
Grow in any moist but well drained, preferably acidic to neutral soil, in full sun or partially shade. Divide in spring.
Prone to ergot.
Molinia caerulea ‘Variegata’ – Purple Moor Grass – Moor Grass – This tufted, compact perennial forming dense clumps grows 18-24″ inches tall and 6″ wide. It produces flat, linear-oblong, dark green, cream striped leaves, to 18″ long, with purple bases. From spring to autumn it bears dense, narrow panicles, 16″ long, of purple spikelets on yellowish or brownish orange tinted stems.
Zones 5-9
