Species purple moor grass
green stems and leaves.

purple moor grass

Molinia caerulea subsp. caerulea 'Variegata'

Purple Moor Grass (Molinia caerulea subsp. caerulea 'Variegata') is a stunning ornamental grass with beautiful green and white variegated foliage and an upright habit. In summer, it produces tall, silvery-purple flower spikes that add contrast and color to the landscape, and in autumn the foliage turns shades of yellow and orange for additional interest. This hardy grass grows best in wet, acidic soil in full sun or partial shade, making it a great choice for gardens near ponds or streams. Its airy growth and graceful presence make Purple Moor Grass a wonderful companion for garden borders and containers.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Division,Cutting,Seed Propagation,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 9

Flowers:

Purple tinged Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,yellow,white

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Moderate

watering

Purple moor grass requires regular watering to keep it healthy and attractive. It should be watered once to twice a week, depending on the weather conditions. In hot and dry climates, it will require more watering. Make sure to water slowly and deeply, so that the water can penetrate the ground below the roots. Try to water in the morning and avoid watering later in the day, so that the plant has time to dry out before the temperatures drop. Always check the soil to determine when your plant needs to be watered; it should never be allowed to get too dry or too soggy.

sunlight

Purple moor grass (Molinia caerulea subsp. caerulea 'Variegata') should receive approximately 6-8 hours of sunlight per day, preferably in the morning and early afternoon. It does best in partial shade, however, and will grow in areas with less light. Too much direct sun will cause the plant to become scorched or dried out, while too little sun can lead to weak, leggy growth. When growing this plant, it is best to find a location that gets consistent, bright sunlight without full direct sun exposure.

pruning

Purple moor grass (Molinia caerulea subsp. caerulea 'Variegata') should be pruned at least once a year. Mid to late spring is the ideal time for pruning, especially if you’re aiming to create a mounded form, as this is when the most active growth occurs. When you prune, you should aim to selectively remove long stems with shears, shaping the plant as you go. Always cut the stems down to just above the leaf clump. Be careful not to prune too much, as this will reduce the flowering and foliage density. After that, cut any remaining dead or damaged foliage down to the ground.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Purple moor grass typically starts flowering in late spring or early summer, usually between May and June.

Starts Flowering

Purple moor grass typically starts flowering in late spring or early summer, usually between May and June.

Hardiness Map