Melica altissima 'Atropurpurea'
dark purple Siberian melic
A deciduous perennial grass forming a spreading clump of light green leaves, with erect stems bearing one-sided raceme-like panicles of glossy deep purple spikelets in summer
![](https://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselectorimages/detail/WSY0035827_4071.jpg)
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Purple | Green | ||
Autumn | Green | |||
Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Poaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Tufted
- 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 any moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil. Protect from excessive winter wet
Propagation
Propagate by seed, sown in situ in spring or when ripe or by division in mid-spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Low Maintenance
- Cut flowers
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Remove dead foliage and old flowered stems in spring
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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