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 H7. It is a holder of the RHS Award of Garden Merit and low maintenance. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden.
About
Milium effusum 'Aureum' is a semi-evergreen perennial grass that develops loose clusters of gracefully arching, pale yellow foliage. In early summer, it produces pendulous clusters of yellow flowers.
About the genus
Milium encompasses both annual and perennial grass species, characterized by clusters of flat, wide leaves and loose flowering panicles that emerge during the summer months.
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
- H7
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
- Cottage and informal garden
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Milium effusum 'Aureum'
- Cultivation
- Grow in any moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil. Intolerant of full sun on poor dry soil but will tolerate sun if soil is constantly moist
- Pruning
- Remove dead foliage and old flowered stems in spring
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed sown in situ in spring or by division in mid-spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Milium effusum 'Aureum'?
Grow in any moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil. Intolerant of full sun on poor dry soil but will tolerate sun if soil is constantly moist.
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'?
Remove dead foliage and old flowered stems in spring.
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 a UK hardiness rating of H7.
How do I propagate Milium effusum 'Aureum'?
Propagate by seed sown in situ in spring or by division in mid-spring.