Molinia 'Skyracer' is an elegant tall growing moor grass known for its narrow upright clumps of green foliage and dramatic flowering stems that can reach up to 8 ft. In late summer airy purple tinted panicles rise well above the foliage. Height & Spread: 36 - 48 in x 24 - 30 in (Flowers 72 - 96 in) Bloom Time: Late summer to fall Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade Soil Preference: Moist, well drained soil; tolerates heavier clay Watering Needs: Moderate; prefers regular moisture, drought tolerant once established Deer Resistance: Deer resistant Native Status This cultivar is derived from Molinia arundinacea, a species native to Europe and western Asia. It is widely used in ornamental landscaping for its dramatic form and fall display. WILDLIFE & INSECTS Birds Provides nesting cover and seed forage for songbirds such as finches and sparrows, especially in fall and winter if left standing. Spacing & Landscape Use Spacing Recommendations Space 24 - 36 in apart to allow graceful clumps to develop and flowering stalks to rise freely without crowding. Landscape Placement Ideal as a vertical accent in prairie plantings, borders, and naturalistic gardens. Its tall airy plumes pair beautifully with lower growing perennials and contrast well with bolder foliage textures. Companion Plants Rudbeckia triloba (Brown Eyed Susan) - Adds warm gold color and abundant late season blooms beneath Molinia’s rising plumes. Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem) - Offers warm toned fall foliage and a shorter vertical counterpoint. Echinacea pallida (Pale Purple Coneflower) - Brings structure and elegance with nodding purple blooms in mid to late summer. Panicum virgatum 'Shenandoah' - Provides a red toned upright grass to echo Molinia’s vertical lines with more color variation. Calamintha nepeta - Softens edges with fine foliage and lavender blooms while attracting pollinators through summer.
