About
Melica uniflora, the wood melick, is a creeping perennial grass native to the UK producing vivid-green, fine-textured foliage. Branching, purple flower stems with brown flowers and yellow stamens are produced from June to July. An ornamental and useful native grass for naturalising in 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 typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeGrass Like, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitMatforming, Spreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants, Cottage and informal garden
Native toEurope, N Africa, SW Asia
Care notes
CultivationIdeal for a partly shaded position such as the edge of a woodland but will tolerate full shade. Avoid waterlogged soil, especially in winter. Thrives in a dryish alkaline soil
PruningCut back previous year's growth in February
PropagationPropagate by seed or division
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free