Molinia caerulea subsp. caerulea 'Poul Petersen'
purple moor-grass 'Poul Petersen'
A tufted, vase-shaped, perennial grass up to 90cm high, with strong clumps of green leaves which turn burnished golden-brown in autumn. Fairly upright stems of purplish flowers are held well above the leaves in summer and autumn, followed by seedheads which remain attractive in winter
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Brown Purple | Green | ||
| Autumn | Brown Purple | Bronze Brown Gold Yellow | Brown | |
| Winter | Brown | Brown |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing or South–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Poaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Tufted
- Genus
Molinia are deciduous perennial grasses, tufted in habit, with flat, linear leaves and erect stems bearing open flowering panicles in summer
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in any moisture-retentive, humus-rich, acidic to neutral soil, in an open site in full sun or partial shade; will tolerate infertile soil
Propagation
Propagate by division in spring, and pot up until established
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Prairie planting
- Cottage and informal garden
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Cut down dead leaves and old flowered stems to just above ground level in late winter or early spring; cut stems can be left around the plants as a mulch
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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