Molinia caerulea Windsaule - Purple Moor-grass

Molinia caerula subsp. arundinacea 'Windsaule' is a perennial ornamental grass with evergreen foliage whose silver spikes turn yellow-orange in autumn. It is a beautiful airy giant whose beauty develops throughout the seasons.

The Molinia genus belongs to the poaceae family, or grasses. The natural species M. cerulea ssp. arundinacea, from which this variety originates, thrives in heathlands and moist meadows in Northern Europe and Siberia. 'Windsaule' is particularly interesting with a spherical silhouette of 1m (3ft) in diameter at the beginning of the season. The dark green foliage, with trailing strips 40 to 60 cm (16 to 24in) long, gives it lightness. From June onwards, silver spikes rise above the tuft of leaves on top of stems that are 3 metres (10 feet) or more tall giving it a bristly appearance. This Molinia develops its personality as the seasons progress. It reveals its ornamental dimension when the delicate and airy tuft takes on yellow-orange hues in autumn.

It is a hardy and easy plant that requires little maintenance in deep and moist soil, even limestone. It will bring some animation and colour during the cold seasons, alone or in a mass planting with other smaller grasses. Its architectural look helps delineate different areas and brings texture and movement. In a small garden, it can even serve as a hedge. It will also control soil erosion, thanks to its root system.