Molinia 'Edith Dudszus' is a medium height moor grass known for its upright habit and showy flower stalks that emerge reddish purple in late summer. The foliage forms a tidy clump of narrow green blades that turn golden yellow in fall.
Height & Spread: 24 - 36 in x 18 - 24 in
Bloom Time: Late summer to early fall
Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade
Soil Preference: Moist to moderately dry soil; tolerates a range of soil textures
Watering Needs: Moderate; prefers consistent moisture but can tolerate short dry spells
Deer Resistance: Deer resistant
Native Status
This cultivar comes from Molinia caerulea, a species native to Europe and western Asia, often found in moors and grasslands.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Birds
- Provides seed forage for songbirds such as goldfinches and cover for overwintering insects, which attract insectivorous birds.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 18 - 24 in apart to allow the graceful flower stalks to arch without obstruction and promote air circulation.
Landscape Placement
- Well suited to mixed borders, naturalized meadows, and mass plantings where its fine texture and golden fall color add contrast and movement.
Companion Plants
- Allium senescens (Ornamental Onion) - Offers mounding foliage and round purple blooms that bloom alongside Molinia flower spikes.
- Amsonia hubrichtii (Threadleaf Bluestar) - Provides blue spring flowers and glowing gold fall color to echo Molinia’s autumn tones.
- Achillea millefolium (Yarrow) - Offers drought resistance and long blooming flower heads in complementary shades.
- Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' - Adds upright purple flower spikes that bloom earlier and transition smoothly into Molinia’s display.
- Coreopsis verticillata 'Zagreb' - Adds bright, fine textured blooms that match the airy quality of Molinia’s form.