Tall Purple Moor Grass Molinia caerulea subsp. arundinacea 'Windspiel'
ABOUT
The plant known commonly as the purple moor grass 'Windspiel' has a distinctive appearance that makes it a beautiful addition to the landscape. This cultivar exhibits a graceful, fountain-like form with arching foliage. The leaves themselves are narrow and long, with a rich green color that provides a lush backdrop in gardens. During the fall, the foliage undergoes a transformation, displaying a range of warm colors from golden yellow to rich copper, contributing to the plant's seasonal interest. When it comes to flowering, the purple moor grass 'Windspiel' produces delicate, feathery flower spikes which float above the foliage, swaying gently in the wind. These flowers have a soft, airy texture that creates a striking contrast to the denser leaves below, and as the season progresses, they may take on a silvery appearance which adds yet another layer of visual interest. The overall aesthetic of the purple moor grass 'Windspiel' is one of natural elegance and movement. Its textural qualities, combined with the seasonal color changes of its leaves and the ethereal quality of its inflorescences, make it a captivating plant that can provide interest throughout different times of the year.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Poaceae
Synonyms
Tall Purple Moor Grass, Windspiel Moor Grass
Common names
Aira caerulea, Arundinaria coerulea, Molinia arundinacea, Molinia coerulea.
ToxicityTo humans
Purple moor grass is not commonly known to be toxic to humans. Ingesting any part of the plant typically does not result in poisoning or the presentation of hazardous symptoms. However, as with many plants, individual allergies or sensitivities could occur. If an individual has specific plant allergies, it's possible they may experience a reaction.
To pets
Purple moor grass is generally considered non-toxic to pets. Ingesting parts of the plant should not cause poisoning or serious health issues in pets such as dogs, cats, or other domestic animals. However, ingestion of large quantities of plant material may cause mild stomach upset in some pets due to the fiber content or individual sensitivities.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
Height
5 feet (1.5 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.6 meters)
Plant type
Grass
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Molinia caerulea 'Windspiel', commonly known as tall moor grass, adds visual interest to gardens with its fine-textured foliage and airy flower panicles.
- Ecosystem Support: It provides habitat and food for wildlife such as birds and beneficial insects.
- Low Maintenance: Tall moor grass is known for being easy to care for, requiring minimal watering and fertilization once established.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it has good tolerance to drought, making it suitable for xeriscaping or low-water garden designs.
- Seasonal Interest: This plant offers changing visual appeal through the seasons, from green in spring to golden brown in fall and winter.
- Adaptability: Tall moor grass can grow in a variety of soil types, although it prefers moist, well-drained soil.
- Erosion Control: Its root system can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion, especially in sloped areas.
- Design Versatility: It can be used in various garden designs, from contemporary or naturalistic settings to prairie or meadow-style gardens.
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 Purple Moor Grass can be used to extract a dye for coloring fabrics and textiles.
- Instruction in botany: Purple Moor Grass can be used as a specimen for educational purposes in botany and horticulture classes.
- Floral arrangements: Its tall, attractive flower spikes can be dried and used in floral arrangements for texture and interest.
- Erosion control: The dense root system of Purple Moor Grass can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes.
- Craft materials: The stems and leaves can be used in basket weaving or as a natural material in other craft projects.
- Winter garden interest: The plant's structure provides visual interest in winter gardens, especially when covered with frost or snow.
- Biological pest control: The dense foliage can provide habitat for beneficial insects that prey on garden pests.
- Photography subject: Its delicate form against the winter light can be an excellent subject for nature photographers.
- Sound barrier: When planted in mass, Purple Moor Grass can help reduce noise pollution due to its dense growth.
- Wildlife shelter: Provides shelter for small animals and birds within the landscape.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Purple Moor Grass is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: The 'Windspiel' cultivar, known commonly as Tall Moor Grass, has a strong structure and flexibility, symbolizing the ability to weather challenges and remain upright in the face of adversity.
- Adaptability: Tall Moor Grass thrives in various conditions, representing the capacity to adapt and prosper in different environments or situations.
- Graceful Movement: The flowing nature of this grass as it sways with the wind symbolizes elegance and the idea of going with the flow of life's circumstances.
WaterTall Moor Grass should be watered regularly, especially during its first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Once established, it's moderately drought tolerant and requires less frequent watering. Provide approximately 1 inch of water per week, either from rainfall or irrigation. If you're using a hose or watering can, this equates to about 0.6 gallons per square foot per week. During periods of extreme heat or drought, you might need to water twice per week to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.
LightTall Moor Grass thrives in full sun, which means it requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day for optimal growth. The best spot for this plant would be an unobstructed location where it can receive ample sunlight throughout the day. Partial shade is tolerated but may result in less vigorous growth and fewer blooms.
TemperatureTall Moor Grass is hardy and can tolerate a temperature range from 5°F to 85°F, making it suitable for many climates. It grows best in temperatures between 60°F and 75°F. Extreme temperatures below 5°F may damage the plant, and prolonged exposure to heat above 85°F may stress it.
PruningPrune Tall Moor Grass to remove dead foliage and to maintain its shape. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Cut the grass back to about 3 to 4 inches above the ground. Annual pruning is recommended to encourage fresh, healthy growth and to prevent the center of the grass clump from dying out.
CleaningAs needed
SoilTall Moor Grass 'Windspiel' thrives best in moist, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 5.5 to 7.0. A good soil mix can be composed of loamy garden soil, peat or compost to retain moisture, and some sand for improved drainage.
RepottingTall Moor Grass 'Windspiel' is a perennial that typically does not require frequent repotting. It should be divided and repotted every 3 to 4 years to refresh the soil and manage its size.
Humidity & MistingTall Moor Grass 'Windspiel' prefers outdoor conditions with natural humidity levels and does not have specific humidity requirements. It's well-adapted to the typical range found in temperate climates.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow Tall Moor Grass 'Windspiel' in bright light and cool temps.
Outdoor
Plant in sun to part shade, moist soil, protect from hot dry winds.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleMolinia caerulea subsp. arundinacea 'Windspiel', commonly known as Tall Purple Moor Grass, begins its life cycle when the seeds germinate in moist soil conditions during the spring. After germination, the seedlings establish themselves, developing a robust root system and growing their trademark slender, erect stems. The plant progresses to the vegetative growth stage, producing long, narrow leaves that contribute to its tufted clump formation. In mid to late summer, Tall Purple Moor Grass enters the reproductive stage, developing feathery flower panicles that rise above the foliage and later turn a golden brown in fall, providing visual interest. As winter approaches, the plant goes dormant, with the above-ground foliage dying back and the plant relying on its root system to survive the colder months. In the following spring, new growth resumes from the perennial rootstock, completing the cycle and beginning anew.
PropogationPropogation time
Late summer
Molinia caerulea, commonly known as Purple Moor Grass, can be propagated through division, which is the most popular method for this cultivar. The best time for division is in the early spring as new growth begins to emerge. To propagate by division, carefully lift the parent plant from the ground using a spade, ensuring to keep as many roots intact as possible. The clump should be divided into smaller sections with a sharp knife or spade, with each section having at least one growth point. These divisions can then be replanted at the same depth they were previously growing and watered thoroughly. It's important to ensure the soil is kept moist until the new divisions have established a strong root system.
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