Overview
Melica altissima 'Atropurpurea' is a tufted grass like in the genus Melica, part of the Poaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 1-1.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Melica altissima 'Atropurpurea' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is low maintenance. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, patio and container plants, low maintenance and flower borders and beds.
About
Melica altissima, commonly known as Siberian melic grass or dark purple Siberian melic, is a species of plant in the grass family, Poaceae.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Melica altissima
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
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Melica
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Melica altissima 'Atropurpurea' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Grass Like
- Habit
- Tufted
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1-1.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Low Maintenance, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Melica altissima 'Atropurpurea'
- Propagation
- Seed, Division
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Melica altissima 'Atropurpurea'?
Melica altissima 'Atropurpurea' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Melica altissima 'Atropurpurea' need?
Melica altissima 'Atropurpurea' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
How big does Melica altissima 'Atropurpurea' grow?
Melica altissima 'Atropurpurea' reaches a height of 1-1.5 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Melica altissima 'Atropurpurea' hardy in the UK?
Melica altissima 'Atropurpurea' has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Melica altissima 'Atropurpurea'?
Seed, Division.
More in the Melica genus
Browse all Melica →
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