Overview
Melica nutans is a tufted grass like in the genus Melica, part of the Poaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Melica nutans grows best in full shade and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and alkaline and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. It is drought resistant. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, low maintenance, underplanting of roses and shrubs and flower borders and beds.
About
Melica nutans, commonly known as mountain melick, is a deciduous, tufted grass-like perennial from the Melica genus. It typically grows to a height and spread of 0.1 to 0.5 metres over 2 to 5 years. This grass thrives in full or partial shade, favouring east- or north-facing, sheltered sites with moist but well-drained or well-drained soils, including clay, loam, and sand types. It is drought resistant and is best appreciated during the summer season.
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 shade, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Melica nutans size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Grass Like
- Habit
- Tufted
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Low Maintenance, Underplanting of roses and shrubs, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Melica nutans
- Propagation
- Seed, Division
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Melica nutans?
Melica nutans prefers full shade and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Melica nutans need?
Melica nutans is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including clay, loam and sand. It prefers alkaline and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
How big does Melica nutans grow?
Melica nutans reaches a height of 0.1-0.5 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Melica nutans hardy in the UK?
Melica nutans has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Melica nutans?
Seed, Division.
More in the Melica genus
Browse all Melica →
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