Overview
Milium effusum 'Aureum' is a tufted grass like in the genus Milium, part of the Poaceae family, with semi evergreen 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. Milium effusum 'Aureum' grows best in partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H1a. It is low maintenance. Suggested uses include ornamental grass, ground cover and woodland gardens. It is native to Europe.
About
Milium effusum 'Aureum' (Bowles's golden grass) is a semi-evergreen, tufted grass-like plant belonging to the Poaceae family. It grows to a height and spread of 0.1 to 0.5 metres over 2 to 5 years. This cultivar thrives in partial shade and suits a variety of soil types, including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, with acid, alkaline, or neutral pH. It prefers moist but well-drained or well-drained soils and can be grown in both exposed and sheltered locations. 'Aureum' offers seasonal interest in summer and winter and requires low maintenance.
About the genus
Milium is a genus of Eurasian, North American, and North African plants in the grass family.
Wikipedia contributors, "Milium (plant)", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Milium (plant)
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Milium
- Sunlight
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing, North-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1a
Plant details
Milium effusum 'Aureum' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Grass Like
- Habit
- Tufted
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Ornamental grass, Ground cover, Woodland gardens
- Native to
- Europe
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Milium effusum 'Aureum'
- Cultivation
- Prefers partial shade and moist, well-drained soils; tolerant of a range of soil types and pH levels; low maintenance; suitable for woodland gardens and shaded borders.
- Pruning
- Cut back old foliage in late winter or early spring to encourage fresh growth.
- Propagation
- Division in spring
- Pest resistance
- Aphids
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Milium effusum 'Aureum'?
Prefers partial shade and moist, well-drained soils; tolerant of a range of soil types and pH levels; low maintenance; suitable for woodland gardens and shaded borders.
Where is the best place to plant Milium effusum 'Aureum'?
Milium effusum 'Aureum' prefers partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Milium effusum 'Aureum' need?
Milium effusum 'Aureum' 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 moist but well-drained to well-drained.
How do I prune Milium effusum 'Aureum'?
Cut back old foliage in late winter or early spring to encourage fresh growth.
How big does Milium effusum 'Aureum' grow?
Milium effusum 'Aureum' 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 Milium effusum 'Aureum' hardy in the UK?
Milium effusum 'Aureum' has an RHS hardiness rating of H1a, meaning it needs tropical warmth above 15°C and must be grown under glass in the UK.
How do I propagate Milium effusum 'Aureum'?
Division in spring.
More in the Milium genus
Browse all Milium →
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