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Herbaceous Perennial

Melica altissima 'Alba'

Siberian melic 'Alba'

A clump-forming grass up to 90cm high with creeping rhizomes, flat, rough-textured, pale green leaves, and delicate panicles of pale greenish white spikelets from late spring to midsummer

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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
1–2 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring White Green
Summer White Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

West–facing or South–facing or North–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Poaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Genus

Melica are deciduous, clump-forming perennial grasses with soft, linear leaves and arching stems bearing narrow panicles of flattened flowering spikelets in summer

Name status

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or light dappled shade, and protect from excessive winter wet

Propagation

Propagate by division as growth starts in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

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