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, wildflower meadow and wildlife gardens.
About
Melica nutans is a rare native grass primarily located in the northern and western regions. It develops loose yet organized clumps of flat, vibrant green foliage that can reach heights of up to 50 cm. The flowering structure features green and brown spikelets that gracefully hang along one side of slender, arching stems.
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 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, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Melica nutans
- Cultivation
- Found 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
- Pruning
- No pruning required, but can be trimmed back after flowering or in early spring
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed or by division
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Melica nutans?
Found 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.
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 do I prune Melica nutans?
No pruning required, but can be trimmed back after flowering or in early spring.
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 a UK hardiness rating of H6.
How do I propagate Melica nutans?
Propagate by seed or by division.