Molinia arundinacea
Molinia arundinacea · Poaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant molinia arundinacea: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Family
- Poaceae (grasses)
- Foliage
- Deciduous, tender green turning golden in autumn
- Flowering
- August to October, light and airy spikes
- Mature size
- 120 to 180 cm in height
- Growth
- Fast to moderate
- Hardiness
- Very hardy, down to -20°C
- Origin
- Central and southern Europe
- Soil type
- Well-draining, fresh to slightly moist soils
Care
Watering
Molinia arundinacea enjoys fresh, well-draining soils. Water regularly during the first year after planting to encourage root establishment. Once established, it tolerates moderate drought periods but remains more vigorous with regular watering during summer.
Exposure
Choose a location in full sun or part shade. In sunlight, the foliage offers spectacular autumn colors and the spikes shine beautifully. Light shade is acceptable but reduces flowering and autumn tints.
Pruning
Leave the dry stems and foliage in place over winter—they provide ornamental interest and protect the crown. Cut back to 5-10 cm above the soil in late winter or early spring, before growth resumes.
Soil
Molinia arundinacea prefers fresh, well-structured soils that are slightly acidic to neutral. It adapts to poor or ordinary soils but dislikes waterlogging. Adding compost at planting improves water retention in light soils.
Fertilizing
Not demanding in nutrients; light fertilizing in spring is quite sufficient. An annual surface layer of compost maintains good vitality without excess, which could promote overly loose growth.
Diseases and pests
Molinia arundinacea is very robust and rarely affected by disease. Poor drainage or permanent moisture can encourage root rot. Space clumps well and ensure good air circulation.
Did you know?
Molinia arundinacea is nicknamed the 'blue moor grass' because of the bluish tint its flower spikes take on in certain light angles. Once, central European farmers exploited this grass for livestock (lean but nutritious hay) and rural thatching. Today, it captivates modern landscapers with its exceptional ornamental qualities: luminous foliage that dances in the breeze and transforms into glowing gold from September onward.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Tufted hair grassDeschampsia cespitosa
- Wavy hair-grassAvenella flexuosa
- Purple moor-grassMolinia caerulea
- Reed canary-grassPhalaris arundinacea
- Common quaking grassBriza media
- Creeping soft-grassHolcus mollis
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.