About

Melica uniflora 'Alba' is a named cultivar of Melica in the grass family Poaceae. It produces flowering panicles in the UK from May to July. The plant grows as a grass-forming clump carrying erect flowering stems, and is selected under the 'Alba' name for a distinct trait within the species.

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

In the garden

Melica uniflora 'Alba' is a cultivar of Melica within the Poaceae family, presented in gardens as a clump-forming grass with a defined flowering season from May to July in the UK. As a named selection, its identity is tied to features of the flowering stems and inflorescences rather than broad changes to growth habit. Plant to the same depth as the container and allow newly planted specimens time to establish before heavy trimming. Routine maintenance is limited to removing dead foliage in late winter or early spring and dividing congested clumps when growth slows; divisions taken at those times re-establish quickly. Avoid frequent mowing or cutting through the flowering period if you want to retain the panicles for seasonal interest. Use single plants or small groups where a grass-forming accent is desired and allow the May–July flowering window to guide placement so the stems are visible at peak display. Check plants at flowering to confirm the 'Alba' characteristics before propagating from seed or sharing material, since cultivar traits are most reliably assessed in bloom.