Overview
Melica transsilvanica 'Red Spire' is a clump-forming perennial grass herbaceous perennial in the genus Melica, part of the Poaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Melica transsilvanica 'Red Spire' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, low maintenance, cut flowers and flower borders and beds.
About
Melica transsilvanica 'Red Spire' is a clump-forming perennial grass belonging to the Melica genus, known for its slender, soft leaves and arching stems with narrow panicles of flattened spikelets. This deciduous herbaceous perennial thrives in well-drained soils under full sun or partial shade and is hardy to UK zone H6. Suitable for a variety of soil types and aspects, it is ideal for cottage and informal gardens, flower borders, and cut flowers. It provides seasonal interest from spring through to autumn and can be propagated by seed or division.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Melica
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, 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 transsilvanica 'Red Spire' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump-forming perennial grass
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Low Maintenance, Cut flowers, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Melica transsilvanica 'Red Spire'
- Propagation
- Seed, Division
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Melica transsilvanica 'Red Spire'?
Melica transsilvanica 'Red Spire' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Melica transsilvanica 'Red Spire' need?
Melica transsilvanica 'Red Spire' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Melica transsilvanica 'Red Spire' hardy in the UK?
Melica transsilvanica 'Red Spire' 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 transsilvanica 'Red Spire'?
Seed, Division.
More in the Melica genus
- Melica altissima 'Alba'Siberian melic 'Alba'
- Melica transsilvanica
- Melica uniflora 'Alba'Wood Melick
- Melica uniflora 'Variegata' (v)