Lavender Grass Molinia caerulea Play pronunciation

Purple moor grass is an upright, dense, ornamental, warm-season perennial grass native to Europe, West Siberia and Kazakhstan, the Mediterranean region, and Ethiopia, and a member of the grass family (Poaceae). This grass is often found in moist sites such as moors, bogs, and along lakes. It grows 1 to 2 feet tall and has a clumping habit. The leaf blades are flat and narrow, growing up to 18 inches long and 0.25 inches wide. Panicles of showy, airy, green and white flowers with a purple tint are borne atop an erect to arching flower stalk and rise above the leaves in mid-summer. The foliage and flower stalks become golden yellow to orangish-yellow as the seed sets, and then transition to a light tan. The foliage and flower stalks typically break down and fall over in late fall, providing little winter interest. The genus name Molinia honors a Jesuit historian of Chile, Juan Ignacio Molina. The specific epithet caerula is Latin and means dark blue.

Prefers full sun and moist to wet, well-drained, fertile, acidic soil. Performs best in cool summer climates. It does not flower well when grown in hot summer weather. It is hardy in zones 5 through 8, slow-growing, and tolerates low fertility. Cut any surviving foliage down to the ground in early spring or late February through March, just before the new leaf blades appear. In spring, propagate by division.

Purple moor grass may be planted as an accent, specimen, or mass. Its golden fall color will add interest along a pond or in a meadow. It may also be used as a border planting.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  No significant insect pests or diseases. Slow-growing and can take 2 to 3 years to get established. Does not perform well in hot summer climates.