Skyracer Moor Grass
Skyracer Moor Grass
Skyracer Moor Grass adds dramatic 7-foot golden plumes to Eden Prairie, Excelsior, and Chanhassen borders — a translucent vertical accent that catches light and movement without blocking views.
About Skyracer Moor Grass
| Botanical Name | Molinia caerulea subsp. arundinacea 'Skyracer' |
| Mature Size | 6-7ft tall × 3ft wide |
| Bloom / Foliage | Airy golden seed plumes 6-7ft tall in late summer |
| Sun Requirements | Full sun (6+ hrs) for most ornamental grasses. A few (Blue Moor Grass) tolerate light shade. |
| Water Needs | Low. Drought-tolerant once established — average MN rainfall is plenty. |
| Soil | Tolerates Minnesota clay-loam. Adapts to most well-drained soils. |
| Hardiness Zones | 3-8 (Twin Cities is zone 4b–5a). Reliable to -40°F for most native grass cultivars. |
| Deer Resistance | Rarely browsed — ornamental grasses are one of the most deer-proof plant categories |
| Foliage | Deciduous — grass blades emerge in spring, mature through summer, hold form (often with golden fall color) into winter |
| Growth Rate | Fast — reaches full size in one or two seasons |
Why You'll Love Skyracer Moor Grass
Winter structure
Ornamental grasses hold their golden form through Minnesota's five-month winter — one of the few things that look great against snow. Pair with red-twig dogwood for maximum winter impact.
Pollinator + bird habitat
Grass seed heads feed birds through fall and winter. Native bunchgrass clumps are critical nesting habitat for ground-dwelling pollinators.
Low-water plantings
Once established, ornamental grasses thrive on natural rainfall — no supplemental watering needed. Perfect for boulevard strips, dry slopes, and parking-area plantings.
Tall airy moor grass with see-through habit
Tallest cold-hardy ornamental grass with delicate see-through habit. That's why Skyracer Moor Grass has earned a spot in our Minnesota launch catalog — it's a grass we're confident will thrive in your Twin Cities landscape.
Planting Skyracer Moor Grass in the Twin Cities
Best planting window: Spring (mid-April through early June) or early fall (late August through late September). Avoid planting during peak summer heat — Twin Cities heat waves can stress newly installed root balls.
Site selection: Full sun (6+ hrs) for most ornamental grasses. A few (Blue Moor Grass) tolerate light shade. Choose a location with the mature size of 6-7ft tall × 3ft wide in mind — give Skyracer Moor Grass room to fill out without crowding fences, sidewalks, or neighboring plants.
Soil prep: Tolerates Minnesota clay-loam. Adapts to most well-drained soils. If your Twin Cities yard has heavy clay (common in Plymouth, Eden Prairie, and Wayzata), amend the planting hole with 25-30% compost to improve drainage. For sandy soils in parts of Anoka and Washington counties, mix in compost to improve water retention.
How to plant:
- Dig a hole 2× the width of the root ball and the same depth.
- Loosen the sides of the hole — slick clay walls block root expansion.
- Set Skyracer Moor Grass so the top of the root ball is 1-2" above grade.
- Backfill with native soil mixed 25% with compost. Tamp gently.
- Water deeply (5+ gallons) immediately after planting.
- Mulch 2-3" deep, keeping mulch 2" away from the stem.
Watering & Care
First year (establishment): Water deeply 1-2× per week from April through October. Skyracer Moor Grass needs consistent moisture to develop a strong root system for its first Minnesota winter. Check soil moisture 4-6" deep — water when the top 2-3" feels dry.
Established (year 2+): Low. Drought-tolerant once established — average MN rainfall is plenty. During typical Twin Cities summers, supplemental water during 2+ week dry spells is enough.
Winter prep: Water deeply in late October before ground freeze — this protects Skyracer Moor Grass through dry winter winds. Apply a fresh 2-3" layer of mulch in November to insulate the root zone through deep freezes.
Pruning: Cut back to 4–6 inches in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Do NOT cut back in fall — the foliage provides winter interest and wildlife habitat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Skyracer Moor Grass hardy in Minnesota?
Yes. Skyracer Moor Grass is rated for zones 3-8 (Twin Cities is zone 4b–5a) — the Twin Cities metro is zone 4b–5a, well within its hardiness range. Tallest cold-hardy ornamental grass with delicate see-through habit.
How fast does Skyracer Moor Grass grow?
Fast — reaches full size in one or two seasons. Expect mature size (6-7ft tall × 3ft wide) within 5-8 years depending on site conditions and care.
Will deer eat Skyracer Moor Grass?
Rarely browsed — ornamental grasses are one of the most deer-proof plant categories. In high-deer-pressure suburbs (Wayzata, Stillwater, Hudson), supplemental fencing or repellents may help young plants establish.
Can I plant Skyracer Moor Grass in part shade?
Full sun (6+ hrs) for most ornamental grasses. A few (Blue Moor Grass) tolerate light shade.
What size gallon should I buy?
We typically offer Skyracer Moor Grass in #2, #5, #10, and sometimes larger gallon sizes. Smaller sizes establish faster and cost less; larger sizes give instant impact. For most Twin Cities residential landscapes, #5 or #10 gallon is the sweet spot.
Where We Deliver
Three Timbers Minnesota delivers and installs Skyracer Moor Grass across the Twin Cities metro — Minneapolis, St. Paul, Plymouth, Maple Grove, Edina, Eden Prairie, Minnetonka, Wayzata, Bloomington, Apple Valley, Burnsville, Lakeville, Eagan, Roseville, Shoreview, Stillwater, Woodbury, Hudson, Hopkins, St. Louis Park, Chanhassen, Excelsior, Victoria, Chaska, and surrounding communities. Live Skyracer Moor Grass grown for our climate and delivered fresh from our Waconia, MN nursery.
How Many Skyracer Moor Grass Do I Need?
The base clump stays narrow (about 3 ft wide) while the plumes soar to 6–7 ft, so space about 3 ft apart for a see-through row:
| Run Length | Plants Needed (3 ft spacing) |
|---|---|
| 10 ft | 3 |
| 15 ft | 5 |
| 20 ft | 7 |
| 30 ft | 10 |
A trio planted 3 ft apart makes a airy vertical accent without blocking the view behind it.
Skyracer Moor Grass Season-by-Season in Minnesota
- Spring: A neat low mound of green foliage emerges after the old growth is cut back.
- Summer: Fine foliage builds, then slender stems shoot up carrying airy seed heads.
- Fall: Translucent golden plumes tower 6–7 ft, glowing in low autumn light, and foliage turns warm amber.
- Winter: Molinia is tidy—it sheds its plumes and foliage by early winter, leaving a clean spot for spring.
At a Glance
✔ Deer-Resistant ✔ Drought-Tolerant
Plant It With
- Silver Feather Maiden Grass — a solid, plumed grass that contrasts this one's see-through habit.
- Shenandoah Switch Grass — a Minnesota-native grass for a layered, prairie-style screen.
- Magnus Coneflower — bold blooms seen right through the translucent stems.
- Autumn Fire Sedum — a low, sturdy front piece for the same sunny, dry bed.
Is Skyracer Moor Grass Right for Your Yard?
It thrives in full sun in average, well-drained soil and gives height and movement without blocking sightlines—perfect placed where you want to see through it. It is not a fit for deep shade, and unlike maiden grass it offers little winter structure since it drops its plumes early; pair it with grasses that hold through winter if four-season presence matters.