Molinia caerulea subsp. caerulea 'Variegata'
Garden Plant Information

Molinia caerulea subsp. caerulea 'Variegata'

 

Name

Molinia caerulea subsp. caerulea 'Variegata' (also called Variegated purple moor grass)

Genus  

Molinia

Species

caerulea

Cultivar/variety

subsp. caerulea 'Variegata'

General description

Clump forming, deciduous, ornamental grass with green and cream striped leaves. Combines well with Rudbeckias and other prairie-style perennials. The fine, light leaves add movement to the garden and last well through to autumn. They look very good with the late summer and autumn sun shining through them.

Season of interest

Purplish flower spikes and variegated leafs from summer to autumn.

Key horticultural features

  1. Dense, upright, arching habit.

  2. Stems – straight, creamy-yellow.

  3. Leaves – arching, flat, green with cream stripes.

  4. Flowers – arched stems carry spikes of purplish flowers.

Cultural details

Aspect

Full sun or partial shade.

Soil

Well drained to moist. Acid to neutral.

Hardiness

Hardy.

Maintenance

Lift and divide congested clumps in autumn or spring. If not supported by other plants use ring stakes or brushwood supports before flowering. Remove old flower heads in spring and comb out dead foliage using a hand fork.

 

Generally free of pests and diseases.

Propagation

Divide in spring or autumn. Sow seeds in spring in a cold frame.