About
A clump-forming grass up to 90cm high with creeping rhizomes, flat, rough-textured, pale green leaves, and subtle panicles of pale greenish white spikelets from late spring to midsummer.
About the genus
Melica are deciduous, clump-forming perennial grasses with soft, linear leaves and arching stems bearing narrow panicles of flattened flowering spikelets in summer
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing, North-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or light dappled shade, and protect from excessive winter wet
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by division as growth starts in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free