Purple Moor Grass (Molinia caerulea)

Purple Moor Grass

Molinia caerulea

Its airy plumes move like soft blue smoke over meadows. Cool-season ornamental grass; common name: purple moor grass.

Full sun
1–2/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Full sun to partial shade; produces the most vibrant flower color in full sun, tolerates damp low-light meadow conditions
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Watering Water regularly during prolonged dry spells; naturally tolerates moist to seasonally waterlogged soil
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Temperature Cold hardy to -20°C; withstands cool temperate winters and warm summer temperatures up to 30°C
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Narrow, linear blue-green leaves up to 1 m long, forming dense, rounded clumps
  • Flower: Slender, arching flower spikes with airy purplish-brown panicles
  • Stem: Erect, slender green stems supporting delicate flower plumes
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Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil consistently moist during active growth periods

Fertilization

Light, balanced feed once in early spring. Use diluted organic feed to avoid excessive foliage growth that may weaken flower stems

Composted grass clippings tea:Use fully decomposed grass clippings; dilute 1:20 with water for root drench to provide gentle, slow-release nutrients
Pruning
  • Cut back dead foliage to 5 cm above soil level in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth
  • Thin overcrowded clumps every 3–4 years in early spring to maintain plant vigor
  • Remove spent flower plumes in autumn for a tidier garden appearance (optional, as plumes provide winter interest)
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA confirmed non-toxic; no risk of poisoning for cats

Humans: Non-toxic to humans; no reported adverse health effects

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Ornamental grass for garden borders, meadow plantings, and rain gardens; provides erosion control in damp, sloped areas