Overview
Melica ciliata is a tufted grass like in the genus Melica, part of the Poaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Melica ciliata 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. It is native to Europe N Africa SW Asia.
About
Melica ciliata is a perennial grass that sheds its leaves in the fall, developing a dense clump of rigid, slender foliage in shades of green or blue-green. During late spring, it sends up upright or arching stems that bear flower spikes reaching lengths of up to 15 cm. These spikes consist of small, pale cream flowers adorned with fine, silky hairs.
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, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, North-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Melica ciliata size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Grass Like
- Habit
- Tufted
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden
- Native to
- Europe N Africa SW Asia
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Melica ciliata
- Cultivation
- Grow in any moderately fertile, 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 autumn
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Melica ciliata?
Grow in any moderately fertile, well-drained soil. Protect from excessive winter wet.
Where is the best place to plant Melica ciliata?
Melica ciliata prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Melica ciliata need?
Melica ciliata is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How do I prune Melica ciliata?
Remove dead foliage and old flowered stems in spring.
How big does Melica ciliata grow?
Melica ciliata reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Melica ciliata hardy in the UK?
Melica ciliata has a UK hardiness rating of H6.
How do I propagate Melica ciliata?
Propagate by seed, sown in situ in spring or when ripe or by division in autumn.