About
Melica nutans, the mountain melick, is a native perennial grass producing loose but tidy clumps of flat, lime-green leaves to 50 cm tall. Arching, one-sided spikes of pendulous, green and brown spikelets are produced in early summer. An ornamental and elegant grass for a shaded, moist, woodland border.
About the genus
Melica, the melick grasses, are deciduous, clump-forming perennial grasses with soft, linear leaves and arching stems bearing narrow panicles of flattened, often purple-tinted spikelets in summer. Ornamental grasses for moist, shaded or sunny positions.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull shade, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeGrass Like
HabitTufted
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationFound in woodland and on banks and rough areas, preferring well-drained soil in full or partial shade. Can be grown as ground cover under trees
PruningNo pruning required, but can be trimmed back after flowering or in early spring
PropagationPropagate by seed or by division
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free