Purple Moor Grass

Purple moor grass ‘Moorhexe’ is a compact, upright deciduous grass with narrow green leaves and slender purple panicles. The foliage turns pale brown to orange as it dries, leaving fine winter texture above a tidy clump. ## Garden use Set the clump in a sunny or lightly shaded border, where its airy late-summer flower stems can be seen against broader-leaved perennials. It also works in groups for a calm, naturalistic planting. Published garden profiles give different mature sizes: the [RHS profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/47257/molinia-caerulea-subsp-caerulea-moorhexe/details) lists about 4–20 inches in height and spread, while the [Chicago Botanic Garden profile](https://www.chicagobotanic.org/plant-information/plant-finder/molinia-caerulea-ssp-caerulea-moorhexe-purple-moor-grass) reports 36 inches tall by 18 inches wide. ## Growing conditions Grow in full sun or partial shade in moderately fertile soil that stays moist but drains well. The RHS notes a preference for acidic soil, though it tolerates a range of garden soils. The Chicago Botanic Garden rates this selection for USDA zones 4–9; RHS hardiness ratings use a different scale. ## Maintenance Leave the stems standing through winter for structure, then cut old foliage and flower stems back in spring as new growth begins. Divide established clumps in spring if they become crowded.