Molinia caerulea 'Variegata'

Variegated Moor Grass
Poaceae (Gramineae)
Ornamental grasses and grasslike plants

MOLINIA

Native to moist places from the British Isles to Siberia, south to the Caucasus and Turkey; resents dry, alkaline conditions. Long lived but slow growing, taking several years to reach full size. Erect, narrow light green leaves form a neat, dense clump. In summer, spikelike clusters of yellowish to purplish flowers rise above clump; they turn to tan and last well into fall. Inflorescences are profuse but narrow, giving the clump a see-through quality. Good cut flowers.

In late fall, both leaves and flower clusters detach from bulbous crown, leaving nothing visible above ground. There are two forms of moor grass, each with numerous varieties. The typical form, often called purple moor grass, produces a leafy clump 1–2 ft. high and wide; flower stalks are 2–3 ft. tall.

'Variegata'

Native to wet places from the British Isles to Siberia and south to the Caucasus and Turkey. This long-lived, slow-growing perennial grass takes several years to reach full size of 2 to 3 ft. tall. Has leaves broadly edged in creamy white; yellowish flower stems arch out in all directions, giving a perfect fountain effect. Resents dry, alkaline conditions.