Purple Moor-Grass

Molinia caerulea subsp. arundinacea Fontane

• Position: full sun or partial shade
• Soil: any moist but well-drained, preferably acid to neutral soil
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: May to September
• Hardiness: fully hardy

  
  As the name suggests, this grass resembles a living fountain. The arching leaves for a strong clump of foliage from which airy, see-through flowers rise in summer. These flowers emerge green and fade to shades of purple-brown then yellow, and last well into the autumn. This is a great plant for adding texture and movement into the border in summer - and the seedheads provide interest late into the year. This variety has been bred in Germany, but it has British parents, so is very happy in our climate, as long as the soil is not too dry.
  

• Garden care: Cut back in early spring before the new foliage appears.