Molinia caerulea subsp. caerulea 'Dark Defender'

RHS Plant Profile
purple moor-grass 'Dark Defender'
Grass Like

Clump-forming deciduous grass about 1m in height with narrow, linear rich green leaves. Slender, airy plumes of tiny dark purple-black flowers, on deep purple-black vertical stems, are held above the foliage from summer to autumn, then turn orange-yellow by late autumn and, unusually for a molinia, into winter

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Neutral or Acid

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Poaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming, Tufted
Genus
Molinia are deciduous perennial grasses, tufted in habit, with flat, linear leaves and erect stems bearing open flowering panicles in summer
Name Status
Unresolved

How to Grow

Cultivation

Will grow in full sun or part shade in any moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil, but prefers neutral to acidic soil. See ornamental grasses cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by division in spring. Pot up until established

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Prairie planting
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Remove dead foliage and old flowered stems, just before growth commences in spring

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free