Molinia 'Moorhexe'

Molinia 'Moorhexe': Ramrod Spikes That Never Crowd the Neighbours

'Moorhexe' roughly translates to moor witch, and it's definitely casting spells. Narrow, dark purple spikes stand straight up over a fine green clump that turns gold in fall. BROOMSTICK SOLD SEPARATELY.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Molinia caerulea subsp. caerulea 'Moorhexe'
• Common Name: Purple Moor Grass
• Height: 60–90 cm (2–3 ft) in flower
• Spread: 45–60 cm (1.5–2 ft)
• Flowers: Narrow, dark purple spikes on upright stems held above the foliage, ripening to purple-brown
• Bloom Time: Midsummer to early fall (July to September)
• Foliage: Fine, narrow dark green blades in an upright clump, turning golden yellow in fall
• Features: Clump-forming, upright habit

Where to Plant: It brings vertical lines to small spaces. Use it in groups at the front or middle of a border, in a row along a path, or as a fine-textured accent in a container. Its narrow form tucks into gaps without crowding.

Companion Plants: Use upright 'Moorhexe' in a moist bed in sun or part shade with white hellebores, pink phlox and late blue monkshood. Helleborus HGC® Frosty opens creamy white flowers at 20 to 30 cm from March to May. Heuchera FYRE WING™ 'Amber' adds amber foliage at 28 cm. Phlox Center of Attention™ brings pink and raspberry heads at 45 to 60 cm from June to August. Aconitum carmichaelii 'Arendsii' rises behind at 120 to 150 cm with deep violet-blue hoods from August to October.

Plant Care: Plant it in full sun to part sun in moist, well-drained soil. It prefers neutral to acidic soil and doesn't enjoy very dry, hot sites. Keep it watered during the first season and in long dry spells. Moor grass establishes slowly and can take two or three years to fill out. Its stems tend to break down in late fall. Cut the clump to the ground in early spring, before new growth starts. Divide in spring only if needed.

History: Molinia caerulea is native to the moors, heaths and wet meadows of Europe and western Asia. 'Moorhexe' is a German selection whose name translates to "moor witch."

Final Thoughts: It stays upright, stays put and asks for almost nothing. Plant a row and let the magic happen. NO EYE OF NEWT REQUIRED.