Molinia caerulea susbp. caerulea Variegata - Purple Moor-grass

The Molinia caerulea ssp caerulea 'Varietaga' is a perennial ornamental grass with variegated lime green and cream foliage, and purple spikelets that turn yellow to orange in autumn.

This perennial belongs to the Poaceae family (formerly known as grasses). The typical variety grows naturally in heathlands and wet meadows across a large arc from northern Europe to eastern Siberia. It is also sometimes found in central Europe in wetlands. It is named after the Chilean botanist Juan Ignacio Molina.

The subspecies caerula is much smaller than arundinacea and therefore fits more easily into a small garden. The foliage of this variety forms a sphere of 50 cm (20in) in diameter, with trailing variegated leaves in lime green and cream. From June onwards, it produces purple panicles on stems 30 cm (12in) to 1.50 meters (5 feet) tall, which, of course, contribute to the overall bristly habit of the plant. Its ornamental value is fully revealed in autumn when the already delicate and airy clump takes on a yellow to orange hue that it maintains until the end of the winter. However, the very fragile stems tend to break in autumn.

It grows quite slowly. It should be planted in slightly acidic to slightly alkaline, but moist soil. It requires little maintenance and can tolerate temperatures down to -15°C (5°F). Be careful to keep the collar (the area where leaves and roots meet) above the ground when planting. This grass is a great addition to a garden to provide colorful masses during the cold season. When used as ground cover with other grasses like foxtail grass, its strong structural aspect should be taken into account. In a small garden, it can serve as a hedge: you can enjoy its height without having to deal with excessive width. As a highly graphic plant, it allows you to define different areas in a space while enjoying the effects of texture and movement. Additionally, it helps control erosion thanks to its root system. Clean the clump and divide it in spring: this is the best time and method of propagation to preserve all the varietal characteristics of this beautiful grass.