Purple moor grass Molinia caerulea subsp. caerulea 'Heidebraut'
ABOUT
'Heidebraut' is a variety of the common plant known as moor grass, which is valued for its graceful foliage and attractive flower spikes. It features a clump-forming habit with narrow, arching leaves that are typically green and take on golden hues in the fall. In summer, the plant sends up slender, upright stems topped with delicate, feathery flowers that provide a soft, hazy effect in the garden. The flowers emerge in a purplish hue before fading to a straw-color as they mature and go to seed. The overall form of moor grass 'Heidebraut' is elegant and fountain-like, with foliage that sways gently in the breeze, adding texture and movement to the landscape.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Poaceae
Synonyms
Purple Moor Grass, Moor Grass
Common names
Molinia caerulea subsp. caerulea 'Heidebraut'.
ToxicityTo humans
Purple Moor Grass is generally considered non-toxic to humans. Ingesting parts of this plant is not known to cause serious harm or symptoms of poisoning; it is not commonly recognized as a plant with toxic properties.
To pets
Purple Moor Grass is also considered non-toxic to pets. It does not typically pose a risk of poisoning if ingested by animals such as cats or dogs. Pets that consume parts of this plant are not expected to exhibit significant symptoms or toxic reactions, but it is always advisable to monitor them and consult a veterinarian if any unusual behavior occurs after ingestion.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
Height
3 feet (0.91 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Foliage: The narrow, arching leaves can add texture and movement to garden designs.
- Seasonal Interest: Offers visual interest throughout the seasons with changing foliage colors and flower panicles.
- Durable: Tolerant of a range of soil types including poor soils, and can withstand some degree of drought once established.
- Habitat Support: Provides shelter and food for wildlife, including birds and beneficial insects.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, with no need for regular fertilizing or watering.
- Design Versatility: Can be used in a variety of landscape settings, including meadows, prairies, or as an accent plant in mixed borders.
- Winter Interest: The dried foliage and flower spikes can provide structure and interest in the winter garden landscape.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural dye: The leaves of Molinia caerulea, also known as purple moor grass, can be used to produce a green dye for textiles.
- Thatching material: Purple moor grass, when dried, has traditionally been used for thatching roofs in some regions due to its durability.
- Biodegradable pots: The fibrous material from the plant can be molded into biodegradable pots for seedlings, reducing dependence on plastic products.
- Handicraft materials: The stems and leaves of purple moor grass can be woven into mats, baskets, and other decorative items.
- Floral arrangements: Both fresh and dried foliage of purple moor grass are used in floral design for their texture and gentle movement.
- Erosion control: The grass is effective in stabilizing soil and preventing erosion on slopes and in wetland areas due to its dense root system.
- Wildlife habitat: Its dense growth provides shelter and breeding grounds for various wildlife, including insects and small mammals.
- Ornamental grass in landscapes: With its attractive foliage and airy flowerheads, purple moor grass is popular in ornamental gardens and borders.
- Educational resource: The plant can be used in educational settings to teach about native species, plant biology, and wetland ecosystems.
- Sustainable packaging: The fibers from the grass can be used as a sustainable packaging material, offering an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic options.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Purple Moor Grass is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Purple Moor Grass is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Purple Moor Grass 'Heidebraut' can thrive in challenging environments, symbolizing the ability to endure and thrive through difficult times.
- Adaptability: This plant's versatility and ability to adapt to various soil types is symbolic of flexibility and the capacity to adjust to different situations in life.
- Balance: Purple Moor Grass 'Heidebraut' adds structure to a garden without overwhelming it, symbolizing the importance of balance and harmony.
- Transformation: With its changes in color throughout the seasons, Purple Moor Grass 'Heidebraut' represents transformation and the cyclic nature of life.
- Grace: The delicate and flowing appearance of Purple Moor Grass 'Heidebraut' symbolizes grace and elegance.
WaterPurple Moor Grass prefers consistent moisture, particularly during its growing season in the spring and summer. It should be watered thoroughly once a week, with an approximate amount of 1-1.5 gallons per plant, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During hotter, drier periods, it might require additional watering, especially if there are extended periods without rainfall. In winter, reduce watering to allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering sessions, ensuring the plant is not sitting in overly wet soil which can lead to root rot.
LightPurple Moor Grass thrives in full sun to partial shade. It performs best when receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, but can also tolerate some light afternoon shade. Planting it in a spot that gets morning sun and some afternoon shade is ideal to protect it from the intense heat, especially in hotter climates.
TemperaturePurple Moor Grass can handle a wide temperature range and is quite hardy. It can survive minimum temperatures down to around -20 degrees Fahrenheit, but the ideal growing condition is between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it can tolerate summer highs of up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit with sufficient moisture.
PruningPurple Moor Grass benefits from annual pruning to remove dead foliage and encourage fresh growth. Prune it back in late winter or early spring before new growth begins, cutting down to about 6 inches above the ground. This helps to maintain the plant’s tidy appearance and prevents self-sowing if seed heads are not desired. Pruning is typically done once a year, but dead or damaged leaves can be removed as needed throughout the year.
CleaningAs needed
SoilPurple Moor Grass prefers a soil mix with slightly acidic to neutral pH, ranging from 5.5 to 7.0. A blend of loam, peat, and sand in equal parts ensures good drainage and sufficient nutrients, providing an ideal growing environment for this ornamental grass.
RepottingPurple Moor Grass doesn't typically require frequent repotting as it thrives outdoors. In a garden setting, dividing the clumps every 3-4 years can rejuvenate the plant and prevent overcrowding.
Humidity & MistingPurple Moor Grass tolerates a wide range of humidity levels. It is naturally adapted to outdoor conditions and does not require specific humidity adjustments when grown in its preferred environment.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Not suitable for indoor growth, best kept outdoors.
Outdoor
Plant in moist soil, full sun to partial shade, hardy outdoors.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleMolinia caerulea subsp. caerulea 'Heidebraut', commonly known as Purple Moor Grass 'Heidebraut', begins its lifecycle with seed germination, typically occurring in spring when soil temperatures reach suitable warmth. The emerging seedlings develop into small clumps of grassy foliage, and as the plant matures, it forms a more substantial tufted mound. In summer to early autumn, 'Heidebraut' produces tall, airy flowering stems that rise above the foliage and display a purplish hue. After pollination, these flowers set seed in late autumn, which can disperse to create new plants. Throughout winter, the foliage and stems may remain, providing architectural interest, but will eventually die back before the next growing season begins. In spring, the cycle recommences, with new growth emerging from the plant's perennial base.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating Purple Moor Grass 'Heidebraut' is through division, which is best done in the spring as the plant emerges from dormancy. This method involves carefully digging up the plant, ensuring as much of the root system is intact as possible, then using a sharp spade or knife to divide the plant's crown into several sections, each with roots and shoots attached. These divisions should then be replanted promptly at the same depth they were originally growing, and watered well to help establish them. This can be done every few years to rejuvenate older clumps, encourage vigorous growth, and increase your stock of the grass. Divisions should be spaced about 18-24 inches (approximately 45-60 centimeters) apart to allow enough room for growth.
