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Grass Like
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | White | Green | ||
Autumn | Green | |||
Winter |
Position
- Full shade
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Poaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming, Matforming, Spreading branched
- 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
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Ideal for a partly shaded position such as the edge of a woodland but will tolerate full shade. Avoid waterlogged soil, especially in winter. Thrives in a dryish alkaline soil
Propagation
Propagate by seed or division
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Cut back previous year's growth in February
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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