tufted hair grass
Deschampsia cespitosa
1 ft 11⅝ in–3 ft 11¼ in × 1 ft 3¾ in–1 ft 11⅝ in
Low maintenancegrass
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Grass · Poaceae family
Purple moor grass
Molinia caerulea
Full sun to part shade 1 ft 3¾ in–3 ft 11¼ in × 11¾ in–1 ft 11⅝ in to −90 °F
In short a 10-second read
SunFull sun to part shade
Size1 ft 3¾ in–3 ft 11¼ in
spacing 19¾ in
spacing 19¾ in
PlantingMarch–May, September–October
WinterNo winter protection
Where to plant and how much to water
Sun, soil and water.
It grows best in full sun to part shade, in average to moist soil.
Sun
Sun6 hours or more
Part shade3–6 hours
Shadeunder 3 h
Soil
acidic to neutral soil
acidicneutralalkaline
Watering
Frost
−90 °F
How much space it takes
Mature size.
The mature plant next to a person (69 in).
1 ft 3¾ in–3 ft 11¼ in× spread 11¾ in–1 ft 11⅝ in
Plant 19¾ in apart.
Reaches maturity in about 2–5 years. The final size depends on the cultivar and the spot — we give the range from smallest to largest.
Calendar
Through the year.
Typical for a temperate climate (four seasons). The line shows the current month.
The year at a glance
Planting
Now, in October: a good time for planting (container plant).
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Planting
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
container plant: March–May, September–October
Feeding
Nutrition.
No feeding
Pests and diseases
Common problems and what to do.
The most common problems in Central Europe. Protection is listed from the gentlest option.
No serious pests or diseases
The source lists no significant problems.
What to combine it with
Same needs, different flowering.
They share the same sun and soil and flower in other months — so the bed flowers for longer.
mountain hydrangea
1 ft 11⅝ in–4 ft 11 in✓flowers June–August
✓taller — for the back
Siberian iris
1 ft 11⅝ in–3 ft 11¼ in✓flowers May–June
✓lower — for the front
Shasta daisy
11¾ in–3 ft 11¼ in✓flowers June–August
✓lower — for the front
Ready-made Studio combinations with this plant
Click a combination — the Studio opens a new raised garden bed with it already planted.
Frequently asked
Quick answers.
Does purple moor grass tolerate shade?
It tolerates part shade (3–6 hours of sun), but not full shade.
How much space does purple moor grass need?
At maturity 11¾ in–1 ft 11⅝ in wide and 1 ft 3¾ in–3 ft 11¼ in tall; recommended spacing 19¾ in.
Sources (7) Checked 28 September 2026
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