purple moor grass
Molinia caerulea
USDA zones5 to 8
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterHandles moderate to wet soil
Size4 to 8 feet tall2 to 4 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Habit
- Arching
- Bloom season
- Summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Brown/copper, yellow, green, orange, purple
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Purple moor grass (Molinia caerulea) is a grass for borders, meadows, rain gardens, and winter interest. It is hardy to USDA zone 5, or down to -20°F (-29°C). This plant likes full or part sun and average to wet, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. Its arching clumps grow slowly and bloom in summer and autumn. It sits low on the menu for deer. Birds visit the plants, and the grass tolerates drought.
Pairs well with Coneflower, Moerheim Beauty sneezeweed, and Album culver’s root.
Native range
Europe to Kazakhstan and Mediterranean and Ethiopia.