Molinia

Although some are similar in stature to Miscanthus, the moor grasses can provide a more relaxed and airy feel, as the foliage is often shorter and narrower. There are only two species, one native to the UK (& Europe), the other Japan. Plenty of cultivated forms are available, particularly from the European M. caerulea. These tend to fall into two groups, M. caerulea subsp. caerulea, which are shorter, and the M. caerulea subsp. arundinacea forms which are normally 1m+. Flowering from mid-summer onwards, often on long flowering stems. Clump-forming basal foliage can produce excellent golden yellow autumn colour. Best in full sun, to light shade, in moisture-retentive soil.

Overwintering tussocks of all clump-forming grasses are important, sheltered hibernation sites for many beneficial predatory insects such as ladybirds, and the leaves are eaten by the larvae of some lepidoptera. However you would be very lucky indeed, and probably only in western Scotland or around Rockingham Forest, if you managed to attract the most well known molinia-feeder, the chequered skipper butterfly.