Variegated Moor Grass

Molinia caerulea 'Variegata'

Sku #6170

Highly ornamental clumps of green and creamy white striped blades, perfect for a continuous display as edging or a groundcover. Dainty spikes of gold flowers from late summer to fall. Grows in full sun in cool climates; best with some shade in hot, dry locations.

Light Needs

Partial to full sun

Light Needs
Water Needs

Water regularly to keep soil surface moist, but not soggy.
USDA Zone ?

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Detail

Key Feature

Showy Fall Plumes

Light Needs

Partial to full sun

Landscape Uses

Container, Cutting Garden, Edging, Ground Cover, Mass Planting, Urban Garden, Wildlife Garden

Watering Needs:Water regularly to keep soil surface moist, but not soggy.

Botanical Pronunciation:mo-LIN-i-a see-ROO-lee-uh

Plant type:Perennial, Ornamental Grass

Deciduous/evergreen:Herbaceous

Growth habit:Mounding

Growth rate:Moderate

Average landscape size:Moderate growing; reaches 12 to 18 in. tall and wide.

Special features:Bird Friendly, Easy Care, Fall Color

Foliage color:Variegated

Blooms:Midsummer to fall, persisting into winter.

Flower color:Purple

Garden styleAsian/Zen, Contemporary, Rustic

Design IdeasWith its preference for acid soils, this Grass is ideal for the Pacific Northwest and Deep South. A great accent for the front of the border, or gang it around the edges of planters for a soft transition. Relaxed and sprawling, this Grass creates soft patches in wild gardens. Also attractive in sunny spots of shade gardens under conifers, where soil is acidic enough. Also does well on banks and borders. Short stature makes it good for city conditions.

Companion PlantsCamellia (Camellia); Rhododendron (Rhododendron); Daylily (Hemerocallis); Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla); Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia)

Care

Care Information

Provide enriched, moist, neutral to acidic soil. Water deeply, regularly during the first growing season to establish root system; once established, maintain evenly moist soil. Provide some shade and ample water in hot, arid locations. Remove old, faded foliage before new leaves emerge. Divide clumps every 2 to 3 years in early spring.

History & Lore

History:

The genus for moor grass was named for Juan Molina (1740-1829), an authority on the natural history of Chile. The species are found in wet moorlands and heaths of the Old World from Europe to Japan. This is the only ornamental species.

Lore:

Moor grass was used for thatching and straw for livestock in early agricultural communities of northern Europe.

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