How big does Purple moor grass grow?

About 90 cm × 45 cm after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 60–90 cm × 30–45 cm.

What soil does Purple moor grass grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, acidic, clay, sandy.

Is Purple moor grass hardy?

Hardy down to -29 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

When does Purple moor grass flower?

Flowering: July–September, purple.

How much water does Purple moor grass need?

Water need: high. Drought tolerance: low.

How much does Purple moor grass cost?

It sells for roughly €4.90 to €13 in local shops, depending on size.

Purple moor grass

Molinia caerulea

Purple moor grass (Molinia caerulea) is an ornamental grass that reaches 90 cm × 45 cm after ten years. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -29 °C. Drought tolerance: low. Sold in local shops from about €4.90.

Illustration of Purple moor grass — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

Purple moor grass makes a low, tidy clump from which slender stems with purplish flower panicles rise in midsummer, and in autumn the whole plant turns golden yellow. The low forms (such as 'Moorhexe', 'Heidebraut' or the striped 'Variegata') reach 60 to 90 cm, while cultivars of tall moor grass grow to over two metres. It wants moist, rather acidic soil and some patience: it takes two or three years to bulk up.

Watch out for

It is slow to start: it needs two or three years to establish, so avoid planting small divisions. In Central Europe it copes poorly with hot, dry summers, flowering weakly and browning in soil that dries out, so water it in drought. It likes moist, acidic to neutral soil and sulks on dry, limy ground. In late autumn the leaves and stems collapse, so it offers nothing in winter.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: High
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 90 cm × 45 cm
Hardiness: down to -29 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D July–September, purple

Group	Ornamental grass
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	90 cm × 45 cm
Ultimate size	60–90 cm × 30–45 cm
Hardiness	down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Acidic, Clay, Sandy
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	July–September, purple
Water need	High
Drought tolerance	Low
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no data
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	40 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	Non-toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	from about €4.90

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
30-40 cm	approx. €8
size not stated	approx. €4.90 – €13

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

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