Northwest Blooms · Perennials
Molinia caerulea subsp. caerulea 'Variegata'
Variegated Purple Moor Grass
- Family
- Poaceae
- Height
- 2 to 3 feet
- Width
- 1 to 2 feet
- Flower color
- Purple to brown flower spikes
- Foliage color
- Green with creamy-white variegation
- Bloom time
- Mid-summer to fall
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Maintenance
- Low; cut back in late winter or early spring
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 4 to 9
- Wildlife
- Attracts birds and supports insect diversity
About this plant
Molinia caerulea subsp. caerulea 'Variegata', commonly known as variegated purple moor grass, is a graceful ornamental grass valued for its arching, variegated foliage and airy flower spikes. The leaves feature green blades with creamy-white margins, adding texture and color to garden beds. From mid-summer to early fall, it produces delicate, wispy flower panicles that emerge greenish-purple and mature to a soft golden hue, creating a light, feathery appearance that sways elegantly in the breeze.
Native to the moist meadows and heathlands of Europe, 'Variegata' is prized for its refined, ornamental quality and ability to bring movement and structure to gardens. Its subtle, flowing form and variegated foliage make it a beautiful addition to borders, naturalistic plantings, or as an accent in more formal garden designs.
Works well in
Borders · Cottage Gardens · Bird Gardens · Cut Flower Gardens
Companion plants
Hellebores · Hardy geraniums · Hostas · Ferns · Astilbes · Foxgloves
Design tip
Late flowers extend the season, so set it behind or beside plants that finish in midsummer. It takes sun or light shade, which makes it useful along the changing light of a bed edge or a partly shaded border.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen in the perennial border and in the waterwise garden at the Bellevue Botanical Garden.
