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Purple moorgrass
Purple moorgrass
Purple moorgrass
Molinia caerulea
Also known as : Flying bent grass, Purple molinia, Tall purple moor grass, Indian grass
Purple moorgrass (Molinia caerulea) is a perennial bunchgrass native to Europe, western Asia, and northern Africa. It grows at low and high elevations, and prefers moist soil with a low pH. Purple moorgrass is a hardy plant, though, so it will grow in less ideal conditions as well. The purplish color of its spikelets has lent it another name: purple moor-grass.
Hardiness Zones
Hardiness Zones
5 to 9
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care guide

Care Guide for Purple moorgrass

Soil Care
Soil Care
Sand, Loam, Acidic, Neutral, Slightly alkaline
Details on Soil Care Soil Care
Ideal Lighting
Ideal Lighting
Full sun, Partial sun
Details on Sunlight Requirements Ideal Lighting
Ideal Temperature
Ideal Temperature
5 to 9
Details on Temperature Ideal Temperature
Planting Time
Planting Time
Fall
Details on Planting Time Planting Time
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Purple moorgrass
Water
Water
Twice per week
Hardiness Zones
Hardiness Zones
5 to 9
Planting Time
Planting Time
Fall
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Questions About Purple moorgrass

Watering Watering Watering
Pruning Pruning Pruning
Sunlight Sunlight Sunlight
Temperature Temperature Temperature
Fertilizing Fertilizing Fertilizing
What should I do if I water my Purple moorgrass too much or too little?
Without proper watering, this beautiful ornamental grass will underperform. In the ground, watering issues can be solved, but In a container, too much or too little water will kill Purple moorgrass in short order. When Purple moorgrass isn't receiving the right amount of water, it may stop growing. In the case of overwatering, it will begin to display yellow leaves with brown tips. Underwatering can produce drooping leaves, weak seed head production, and browned leaves. If you suspect your Purple moorgrass has been improperly watered, the first thing to do is figure out if the problem is too much or too little. If your Purple moorgrass is getting too much water, stop watering it immediately. Sometimes it can take weeks for heavy soils to dry out, so be patient. At the first sign of new growth, test the soil for moisture and decide whether it needs more water or not. The solution for Purple moorgrass receiving too little water is even simpler: give the grasses a nice, deep drink and see if it perks up.
Bearing all of this in mind, remember that a long, deep watering is always better than a lot of shallow, frequent waterings. The reason for this is that deep watering encourages grasses to grow deep roots, which makes them more drought resistant and less prone to problems from watering.
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How often should I water my Purple moorgrass?
The watering needs of Purple moorgrass will vary depending on where it is planted. Generally, you should water this grass every week. In hot climates, once or twice a week watering in the summer may be necessary. In moderate climates, watering once every seven days or more may be enough. Grass in containers almost always need more frequent watering than grasses in the ground. But with a species such as this that can thrive in full sun or part shade, the location also matters. Shaded grasses need to be watered less frequently than in-ground grasses.
Purple moorgrass should only be watered when the soil is dry. If you’re unsure when to water, there are a few key signs you can use as your cue. Pressing your finger a couple of inches into the soil will tell you if the soil is dry. For a potted grass, you can weigh the grass with a portable scale to see how light it is, but you can also quickly feel when the pot is light from lack of water. Like many types of grass, the blades may appear folded along their centers and thinner than usual when the roots lack sufficient water. Despite its drought tolerance, regular, deep waterings will reward you with a beautiful color.
In the wild, Purple moorgrass grows in open scrubland, where it would be subject to extreme heat, loads of bright sun, and intermittent rain. Because this grass is drought resistant, you might expect never to need to water it. But don’t let its hardiness fool you, Purple moorgrass still needs care and attention. Even though this hardy grass can handle harsh, dry conditions, gardeners agree that it thrives best with consistent water.
When first planted, Purple moorgrass will need more frequent water until it has established deep roots. For Purple moorgrass in pots, the soil will dry out quickly, especially if the pot is in hot, direct sun for a large part of the day. Test the soil every 3 to 4 days and water only when it feels dry. Purple moorgrassed in the ground generally needs less watering, but that depends on the soil it is grown in. Heavy clay soil holds water for a long time and may feel dry at the surface while still retaining plenty of moisture below the ground. Sandy soils that drain quickly will need to be watered more often.
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What should I be careful with when I water my Purple moorgrass in different seasons, climates, or during different growing?
You can often tell if you are watering enough by the rate of growth of your grasses. Purple moorgrass during the hottest months of the year and has been known to double in size in a year’s time. If the weather is hot and the grass is not growing vigorously, you may need to adjust your watering schedule. In winter, you might be able to get away with watering only once a month, but you will still want to touch the soil to test for moisture.
During a growth cycle (in the warmest months), the grass will need more water than usual. But during winter and cooler months, the need for water will be dramatically reduced. The most important thing to remember about Purple moorgrass is that the soil it is planted in should always be allowed to dry out completely before adding water.
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Key Facts About Purple moorgrass

Attributes of Purple moorgrass

Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Grass
Planting Time
Fall
Bloom Time
Summer, Fall
Plant Height
61 cm to 1.2 m
Spread
61 cm to 1.2 m
Leaf Color
Green
Yellow
Gold
Orange
Flower Size
2.5 cm
Flower Color
Purple
Gold
Green
Brown
Fruit Color
Brown
Stem Color
Green
Yellow
Purple
Orange
Leaf type
Deciduous
Ideal Temperature
5 - 35 ℃
Growth Season
Summer, Fall
Growth Rate
Slow

Scientific Classification of Purple moorgrass

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distribution

Distribution of Purple moorgrass

Habitat of Purple moorgrass

Open heaths, Moors
Northern Hemisphere
South Hemisphere

Distribution Map of Purple moorgrass

distribution map
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
habit
care_scenes

More Info on Purple Moorgrass Growth and Care

Basic Care Guide
Lighting
Full sun
Purple moorgrass craves copious amounts of solar exposure, a trait developed where its original habitat offered it near constant light. It can, however, withstand some periods under the sun's less intense rays. Too much exposure to shadowy conditions can impede growth, while excessive solar intake may stress the plant, leading to unfavorable consequences.
Best Sunlight Practices
Temperature
-20 - 38 ℃
Purple moorgrass is native to controlled temperature areas, favoring a range of 41 to 95 °F (5 to 35 ℃). Depending on seasonal changes, moderate adjustments may be required to mimic its natural habitat.
Temp for Healthy Growth
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Branched centaury
Branched centaury (Centaurium pulchellum) is originally from Europe where it is found in damp hollows and disturbed areas. The name Centaurium comes from its association with the centaurs of Greek mythology. It can thrive in areas where few other wildflowers grow, including salty roadsides and regions with harsh winter weather. The delicate flowers close in the evenings to protect themselves overnight.
Bractless brookweed
Bractless brookweed
Bractless brookweed (Samolus ebracteatus), a member of the primrose family, is found in the southern parts of the U.S. The large, oval leaves grow at the base of the plant, and the pink or white flowers are borne on reddish stems. It favors wetlands, including salt marshes.
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Blue-flowered garlic
Blue-flowered garlic is a bulbous perennial native to Central Asia that produces dense, many-flowered globular clusters of small, star-shaped blue flowers. When chopped or bruised, the leaves and bulbs emit an onion odor. The Royal Horticultural Society has given this plant the prestigious Award of Garden Merit. The butterfly-attracting ornamental onion is ignored by deer.
Bigelow sage
Bigelow sage
The leaves of bigelow sage appear to be silvery-gray, but they're actually green. The apparent color of the leaves comes from tiny hairs all over them. *Artemisia bigelovii* is a woody bush of the southwestern United States. It's an important winter forage plant for livestock, and it's also a useful plant in combating soil erosion.
Bentham's buttonweed
Bentham's buttonweed
A small, flowering herb growing in higher-altitude grasslands and disturbed soil, bentham's buttonweed is a relative of fleabane and has similar flowers, but the petals are smaller and back swept, giving the flowers a button-like appearance. Its species name honors British botanist and Royal Society member Dichrocephala benthamii.
Poison ivy
Poison ivy
In pop culture, poison ivy is a symbol of an obnoxious weed because, despite its unthreatening looks, it gives a highly unpleasant contact rash to the unfortunate person who touches it. Still, it is commonly eaten by many animals, and the seeds are a favorite with birds. The leaves turn bright red in fall. Its sister species, Western poison ivy (Toxicodendron rydbergii), is not considered to be invasive in the United States, but is noxious in Australia and New Zealand.
Pokeweed
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Purple moorgrass
Purple moorgrass
Purple moorgrass
Molinia caerulea
Also known as: Flying bent grass, Purple molinia, Tall purple moor grass, Indian grass
Purple moorgrass (Molinia caerulea) is a perennial bunchgrass native to Europe, western Asia, and northern Africa. It grows at low and high elevations, and prefers moist soil with a low pH. Purple moorgrass is a hardy plant, though, so it will grow in less ideal conditions as well. The purplish color of its spikelets has lent it another name: purple moor-grass.
Hardiness Zones
Hardiness Zones
5 to 9
more
care guide

Care Guide for Purple moorgrass

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Questions About Purple moorgrass

Watering Watering Watering
Pruning Pruning Pruning
Sunlight Sunlight Sunlight
Temperature Temperature Temperature
Fertilizing Fertilizing Fertilizing
What should I do if I water my Purple moorgrass too much or too little?
more
How often should I water my Purple moorgrass?
more
What should I be careful with when I water my Purple moorgrass in different seasons, climates, or during different growing?
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Keep your plants happy and healthy with our guide to watering, lighting, feeding and more.
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plant_info

Key Facts About Purple moorgrass

Attributes of Purple moorgrass

Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Grass
Planting Time
Fall
Bloom Time
Summer, Fall
Plant Height
61 cm to 1.2 m
Spread
61 cm to 1.2 m
Leaf Color
Green
Yellow
Gold
Orange
Flower Size
2.5 cm
Flower Color
Purple
Gold
Green
Brown
Fruit Color
Brown
Stem Color
Green
Yellow
Purple
Orange
Leaf type
Deciduous
Ideal Temperature
5 - 35 ℃
Growth Season
Summer, Fall
Growth Rate
Slow
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Scientific Classification of Purple moorgrass

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distribution

Distribution of Purple moorgrass

Habitat of Purple moorgrass

Open heaths, Moors
Northern Hemisphere
South Hemisphere

Distribution Map of Purple moorgrass

distribution map
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
care_scenes

More Info on Purple Moorgrass Growth and Care

Basic Care Guide
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Plants Related to Purple moorgrass

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Lighting
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Indoor
Outdoor
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Requirements
Full sun
Ideal
Above 6 hours sunlight
Partial sun
Tolerance
About 3-6 hours sunlight
Watch how sunlight gracefully moves through your garden, and choose spots that provide the perfect balance of light and shade for your plants, ensuring their happiness.
Essentials
Purple moorgrass craves copious amounts of solar exposure, a trait developed where its original habitat offered it near constant light. It can, however, withstand some periods under the sun's less intense rays. Too much exposure to shadowy conditions can impede growth, while excessive solar intake may stress the plant, leading to unfavorable consequences.
Preferred
Tolerable
Unsuitable
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Artificial lighting
Indoor plants require adequate lighting for optimal growth. When natural sunlight is insufficient, particularly in winter or in less sunny spaces, artificial lights offer a vital solution, promoting faster, healthier growth.
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Indoor plants require adequate lighting for optimal growth. When natural sunlight is insufficient, particularly in winter or in less sunny spaces, artificial lights offer a vital solution, promoting faster, healthier growth.
1. Choose the right type of artificial light: LED lights are a popular choice for indoor plant lighting because they can be customized to provide the specific wavelengths of light that your plants need.
Full sun plants need 30-50W/sq ft of artificial light, partial sun plants need 20-30W/sq ft, and full shade plants need 10-20W/sq ft.
2. Determine the appropriate distance: Place the light source 12-36 inches above the plant to mimic natural sunlight.
3. Determine the duration: Mimic the length of natural daylight hours for your plant species. most plants need 8-12 hours of light per day.
Important Symptoms
Symptoms of Insufficient Light in %s
Purple moorgrass thrives in full sunlight and is commonly grown outdoors where it receives ample sunlight. When placed in rooms with inadequate lighting, symptoms of light deficiency may not be readily apparent.
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(Symptom details and solutions)
Small leaves
New leaves may grow smaller in size compared to the previous ones once they have matured.
Leggy or sparse growth
The spaces between leaves or stems of your Purple moorgrass may become longer, resulting in a thin and stretched-out appearance. This can make the plant look sparse and weak, and it may easily break or lean due to its own weight.
Faster leaf drop
When plants are exposed to low light conditions, they tend to shed older leaves early to conserve resources. Within a limited time, these resources can be utilized to grow new leaves until the plant's energy reserves are depleted.
Slower or no new growth
Purple moorgrass enters a survival mode when light conditions are poor, which leads to a halt in leaf production. As a result, the plant's growth becomes delayed or stops altogether.
Lighter-colored new leaves
Insufficient sunlight can cause leaves to develop irregular color patterns or appear pale. This indicates a lack of chlorophyll and essential nutrients.
Solutions
1. To ensure optimal growth, gradually move plants to a sunnier location each week, until they receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Use a south-facing window and keep curtains open during the day for maximum sunlight exposure and nutrient accumulation.2. To provide additional light for your plant, consider using artificial light if it's large or not easily movable. Keep a desk or ceiling lamp on for at least 8 hours daily, or invest in professional plant grow lights for ample light.
Symptoms of Excessive light in %s
Purple moorgrass thrives in full sun exposure and can tolerate intense sunlight. With their remarkable resilience, symptoms of sunburn may not be easily visible, as they rarely suffer from it.
View more
(Symptom details and solutions)
Chlorosis
Chlorosis is a condition where the plant's leaves lose their green color and turn yellow. This is due to the breakdown of chlorophyll from excessive sunlight, which negatively affects the plant's ability to photosynthesize.
Sunscald
Sunscald occurs when the plant's leaves or stems are damaged by intense sunlight exposure. It appears as pale, bleached, or necrotic areas on the plant tissue and can reduce the plant's overall health.
Leaf Curling
Leaf curling is a symptom where leaves curl or twist under extreme sunlight conditions. This is a defense mechanism used by the plant to reduce its surface area exposed to sunlight, minimizing water loss and damage.
Wilting
Wilting occurs when a plant loses turgor pressure and its leaves and stems begin to droop. Overexposure to sunlight can cause wilting by increasing the plant's water loss through transpiration, making it difficult for the plant to maintain adequate hydration.
Leaf Scorching
Leaf scorching is a symptom characterized by the appearance of brown, dry, and crispy edges or patches on leaves due to excessive sunlight. This can lead to a reduction in photosynthetic capacity and overall plant health.
Solutions
1. Move your plant to the optimal position where it can receive abundant sunlight but also have some shade. An east-facing window is an ideal choice as the morning sunlight is gentler. This way, your plant can enjoy ample sunlight while reducing the risk of sunburn.2. It is recommended to trim off any completely dehydrated or withered parts of the plant.
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Temperature
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Indoor
Outdoor
Choose a site here for personalized care tips.
Requirements
Ideal
Tolerable
Unsuitable
Just like people, each plant has its own preferences. Learn about your plants' temperature needs and create a comforting environment for them to flourish. As you care for your plants, your bond with them will deepen. Trust your intuition as you learn about their temperature needs, celebrating the journey you share. Lovingly monitor the temperature around your plants and adjust their environment as needed. A thermometer can be your ally in this heartfelt endeavor. Be patient and gentle with yourself as you explore your plants' temperature needs. Cherish your successes, learn from challenges, and nurture your garden with love, creating a haven that reflects the warmth of your care.
Essentials
Purple moorgrass is native to controlled temperature areas, favoring a range of 41 to 95 °F (5 to 35 ℃). Depending on seasonal changes, moderate adjustments may be required to mimic its natural habitat.
Regional wintering strategies
Purple moorgrass has strong cold resistance, so special frost protection measures are usually not necessary during winter. However, if the winter temperatures are expected to drop below {Limit_growth_temperature}, it is still important to provide cold protection. This can be achieved by covering the plant with materials such as soil or straw. Before the first freeze in autumn, it is recommended to water the plant abundantly, ensuring the soil remains moist and enters a frozen state. This helps prevent drought and water scarcity for the plant during winter and early spring.
Important Symptoms
Symptoms of Low Temperature in %s
Purple moorgrass is cold-tolerant and thrives best when the temperature is above {Suitable_growth_temperature_min}. During winter, it should be kept above {Tolerable_growing_temperature_min}. When the temperature falls below {Limit_growth_temperature}, although there may not be any noticeable changes during winter, there may be a decrease in sprouting or even no sprouting during springtime.
Solutions
In spring, remove any parts that have failed to sprout.
Symptoms of High Temperature in %s
During summer, Purple moorgrass should be kept below {Suitable_growth_temperature_max}. When the temperature exceeds {Tolerable_growing_temperature_max}, the leaves of the plant may become lighter in color, prone to curling, susceptible to sunburn, and in severe cases, the entire plant may wilt and become dry.
Solutions
Trim away the sunburned and dried-up parts. Move the plant to a location that provides shade from the midday and afternoon sun, or use a shade cloth to create shade. Water the plant in the morning and evening to keep the soil moist.
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