How big does Tall moor grass grow?

About 2.2 m × 1 m after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 1.8–2.4 m × 0.6–1.2 m.

What soil does Tall moor grass grow in?

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

Is Tall 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 Tall moor grass flower?

Flowering: July–October, purple.

How much water does Tall moor grass need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: low.

How much does Tall moor grass cost?

It sells for roughly €7 to €8.90 in local shops, depending on size.

Tall moor grass

Molinia arundinacea

Tall moor grass (Molinia arundinacea) is an ornamental grass that reaches 2.2 m × 1 m after ten years. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -29 °C. Drought tolerance: low. Sold in local shops from about €7.

Illustration of Tall 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

From a low, arching mound of leaves it sends up thin, see-through flower stems to two metres or more in midsummer; they sway in the lightest breeze and the whole plant turns golden yellow in autumn. You can look straight through it, so it works in the middle or even the front of a border. It likes moisture-retentive, neutral to slightly acidic soil and is slow to get going: allow two to three years before it reaches full size.

Watch out for

In the hot, dry summers of Central Europe it flowers less and can scorch without watering, and it sulks in limy soil that dries out. The stems snap off at the base and collapse in late autumn or early winter, so it gives no winter display, but it needs hardly any cutting back in spring. Small divisions are very slow to bulk up.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 2.2 m × 1 m
Hardiness: down to -29 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D July–October, purple

Group	Ornamental grass
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	2.2 m × 1 m
Ultimate size	1.8–2.4 m × 0.6–1.2 m
Hardiness	down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Acidic, Clay
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	July–October, purple
Water need	Medium
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	80 cm
For dogs	Non-toxic (uncertain)
For cats	Non-toxic (uncertain)
For children	Non-toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	from about €7

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. €7
size not stated	approx. €7.90 – €8.90

Frequently asked questions

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

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