Overview
Melica altissima is a grass in the genus Melica, part of the Poaceae family. Melica altissima grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include ornamental grass, borders and naturalistic plantings. It is native to Siberia and northern Asia.
About the genus
Melica is a genus of perennial grasses known generally as melic or melic grass. They are found in most temperate regions of the world.
Wikipedia contributors, "Melica", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Melica
In the garden
Melica altissima originates from Siberia and northern Asia and is grown in gardens as an ornamental grass valued for its summer display. In the UK it flowers from May to July, contributing airy summer movement in mixed borders and meadow-style plantings. Give Melica altissima a sunny or partially shaded spot with a free-draining loam or sandy soil; it will tolerate neutral through slightly acidic or slightly alkaline pH. Soil should be moist but well drained rather than waterlogged. The species is rated H5, meaning it is hardy and suitable for exposure in most UK gardens without special winter protection. Plant it where its flowering stems can sway—along mixed borders, the edge of a gravel or prairie-style planting, or within naturalistic schemes. It responds well to being allowed room to form a clump and can be combined with perennials that share similar moisture and light needs. Its clear flowering window, May to July, makes it a useful summer element for gardeners seeking movement and seasonal structure.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Melica
- Sunlight
- full sun, partial shade
- Soil type
- well-drained, loamy, sandy
- Soil pH
- neutral, slightly acidic, slightly alkaline
- Soil moisture
- moist, well-drained
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Melica altissima size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Grass
- Suggested uses
- ornamental grass, borders, naturalistic plantings
- Native to
- Siberia, northern Asia
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Melica altissima
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade; tolerates a range of soil types; low maintenance
- Pruning
- Cut back in late winter or early spring before new growth begins
- Propagation
- seed, division
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Melica altissima?
Prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade; tolerates a range of soil types; low maintenance.
Where is the best place to plant Melica altissima?
Melica altissima prefers full sun and partial shade.
What soil does Melica altissima need?
Melica altissima is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including well-drained, loamy and sandy. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist to well-drained.
How do I prune Melica altissima?
Cut back in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
Is Melica altissima hardy in the UK?
Melica altissima has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Melica altissima?
Seed, division.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
