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 H6. It is low maintenance. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden.
About
Melica altissima 'Atropurpurea' is a deciduous perennial grass that develops a broad clump of pale green foliage. In the summer months, it produces upright stems topped with one-sided, raceme-like panicles adorned with shiny, dark purple spikelets.
About the genus
Melica consists of perennial grasses that are deciduous and form clumps. They feature slender, soft leaves and have arching stems that support narrow panicles of flattened spikelets during the summer months.
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
- H6
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
- Cottage and informal garden
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Melica altissima 'Atropurpurea'
- Cultivation
- Grow in any moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil. Protect from excessive winter wet
- Pruning
- Remove dead foliage and old flowered stems in spring
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed, sown in situ in spring or when ripe or by division in mid-spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Melica altissima 'Atropurpurea'?
Grow in any moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil. Protect from excessive winter wet.
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 do I prune Melica altissima 'Atropurpurea'?
Remove dead foliage and old flowered stems in spring.
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 a UK hardiness rating of H6.
How do I propagate Melica altissima 'Atropurpurea'?
Propagate by seed, sown in situ in spring or when ripe or by division in mid-spring.