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Variegated purple moor-grass
Molinia caerulea 'Variegata', commonly referred to as variegated purple moor-grass, is a strikingly ornamental grass that brings a light and airy feel to any garden setting. With its elegant, cream-striped foliage and delicate purple flowers, it is an exceptional choice for creating texture and movement within a border or as a standalone feature in a garden.
This deciduous grass is not only valued for its aesthetic appeal but also for its versatility in various garden designs, from informal cottage gardens to more structured modern landscapes.
The key features of Molinia that make it a sought-after plant include:
We would like to provide some tips on how to plant and care for a Purple flowering ornamental grasses. By following these tips, you can be sure to enjoy your Purple flowering ornamental grasses for a long time.
For optimal growth, Molinia caerulea 'Variegata' should be situated in a location that receives full sun to partial shade. While adaptable to various soil types, it thrives best in a well-drained substrate, which promotes healthy root development. Regular watering is necessary to meet the plant's average water needs, especially in well-drained conditions that do not retain moisture excessively. This ornamental grass displays its variegated foliage most vividly when provided with ample light, making its striking cream and green leaves a standout in any border or group planting.
To plant Molinia caerulea 'Variegata', begin by selecting a location that receives full sun to partial shade. This grass thrives in a variety of well-drained soils and can be planted at any time when the ground is not frozen. After placing the plant in its designated spot, water it thoroughly to settle the soil around the root ball and to help reduce transplant shock. Initially, maintain consistent moisture levels to ensure a strong start, but once established, the grass will have average water needs. For optimal growth and health, consider dividing the clumps every few years in spring or autumn.
Pruning of Molinia caerulea 'Variegata' is a straightforward process. This grass benefits from being cut back in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. The removal of old foliage allows for unobstructed growth and promotes a tidy appearance as the plant rejuvenates. Cut back the entire clump to ground level using clean, sharp shears. This practice ensures that the fresh, cream and green variegated leaves can emerge unimpeded, maintaining the plant's attractive clump-forming and ascending growth habit.
This species thrives with consistent moisture, particularly during its peak growing and flowering period in the summer months. Despite its average water needs, ensure the soil remains well-drained to avoid waterlogging. Regular watering will sustain its striking variegated foliage, which transitions from cream and green in spring to adding touches of yellow and grey as the seasons progress. During prolonged dry spells, additional watering may be necessary to maintain vigor and prevent stress, which could detract from its ornamental value. In cooler weather, reduce the frequency to match the plant's diminished water requirements.
To support the vibrant foliage and flowering of Molinia caerulea 'Variegata', a balanced fertilization regimen is essential. Fertilize once in early spring as new growth begins, using a slow-release, balanced fertilizer. This will provide a steady supply of nutrients throughout the growing season, vital for the plant's clump-forming and ascending growth habit. As a deciduous grass, it benefits from additional nutrients to help establish its striking cream and green foliage in spring and summer, and to sustain it through its flowering period into autumn. Do not over-fertilize, as this can lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of the plant's structural integrity and flowering capability. A second, lighter application of fertilizer can be made in mid-summer to carry the plant through to its dormancy in winter.
Molinia caerulea 'Variegata' is an ornamental grass that brings a striking variegation to any landscape. Its foliage, displaying cream and light green stripes, adds a unique texture and color contrast. Notably, this species transitions to a golden hue in the autumn, providing visual interest throughout the seasons. The grass's delicate flower spikes sway gracefully in the breeze, creating a sense of movement. This versatile grass thrives in a variety of soil types, making it an excellent choice for diverse garden settings.
To ensure the continued health and vigor of Molinia caerulea 'Variegata', division is recommended every few years. This process rejuvenates the plant and stimulates new growth. Division should ideally be carried out during the cooler months of spring or autumn. Carefully lift the plant from the soil and gently separate it into smaller sections, making sure each division has a good amount of roots. Replant these divisions promptly, allowing ample space for them to establish and expand. Regular division not only maintains the plant's size and shape but also enhances its ornamental appeal in the landscape.
Molinia caerulea 'Variegata' typically grows to a height ranging from 50 centimeters to 1 meter.
Molinia caerulea 'Variegata' achieves a final spread ranging from 10 centimeters to 50 centimeters.
Molinia caerulea 'Variegata' can thrive in a variety of soil types, provided that the soil is well-drained. This ensures that the plant's roots are not waterlogged, promoting healthy growth and development.
The ideal location for Molinia caerulea 'Variegata' is a place where it can receive either direct sunlight or partial shade. This plant can thrive in both conditions, making it adaptable to various light environments.
The flowers of Molinia caerulea 'Variegata' display a blend of brown and purple hues, adding a unique and captivating touch to the plant's appearance during the flowering season.
Molinia caerulea 'Variegata' is indeed winter hardy. It can tolerate temperatures as low as -23.3°C to -20.1°C, falling within the USDA hardiness zone 6a. This indicates that the plant is well-suited to endure colder winter conditions, making it suitable for cultivation in regions with typical Dutch winter temperatures.
Molinia caerulea 'Variegata' is not an evergreen plant. It goes through a seasonal cycle of losing its leaves and regrowing them, making it a deciduous plant.
Molinia caerulea 'Variegata' typically reaches its ultimate height within a span of 2 to 5 years. This suggests that it is a relatively fast-growing plant, achieving its full stature within a moderate timeframe.
If we are proud of anything at Heijnen Plants, it is our plant packaging. We have developed our own unique way of packaging our 9x9 cm potted plants. After years of continued development and research, we managed to create packaging that allows plants to be delivered to your home undamaged and quickly through a parcel service. This makes us unique!
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If you have ordered large-sized plants or trees, we deliver them on sealed pallets and place them around your house or driveway. The pallets are sturdy and provide optimal protection for large-sized plants.
We deliver small or medium-sized plants in boxes. The size of the box depends on the size of the plant. We always make sure that the plant has enough space but still stands firmly in the box, so it cannot be damaged during transport.
Discover the elegance of Molinia caerulea 'Variegata', a striking ornamental grass that adds a touch of sophistication to any garden. Its variegated foliage dances gracefully in the breeze, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere. Perfect for gardeners seeking a low-maintenance yet visually stunning species.
