About
A deciduous perennial grass forming a spreading clump of light green leaves, with erect stems bearing one-sided raceme-like panicles of glossy deep purple spikelets in summer.
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, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeGrass Like
HabitTufted
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Care notes
CultivationGrow in any moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil. Protect from excessive winter wet
PruningRemove dead foliage and old flowered stems in spring
PropagationPropagate by seed, sown in situ in spring or when ripe or by division in mid-spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free