Molinia caerulea subsp. caerulea 'Variegata' (v)

RHS Plant Profile
variegated purple moor-grass
variegated purple moor-grass RHS 1997

Synonyms

Molinia caerulea 'Variegata'
Molinia caerulea subsp. arundinacea 'Variegata'

Award of Garden Merit
Grass Like

An herbaceous grass forming a compact clump of arching, boldly cream-striped, dark green leaves, with narrow purple flower panicles on stems to 60cm in height in summer

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

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

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or East–facing or West–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
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
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Will grow in any moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil but prefers acidic soil

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame in spring or by division in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Remove dead foliage and old flowered stems in spring

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free