Beginner
skill rating
Online Garden Tools
Useful videos
Melica altissima 'Alba' (Siberian melic 'Alba')
1 hour care
per year
per year
1.5m
Max height
Max height
0.8m
Max spread
Max spread
2-5 years
To maturity
To maturity
Plant details
Botanical name
Melica altissima 'Alba'
Other names
Siberian melic 'Alba', Tall melic 'Alba', White Siberian melic
Genus
Melica Melica
Variety or Cultivar
'Alba' _ 'Alba' is a tufted, clump-forming, spreading, deciduous perennial grass with linear, pointed, pale green leaves and erect stems bearing one-sided panicles of greenish-white flower spikelets from late spring to late summer.
Melica altissima 'Alba' is: Deciduous
Habit
Clump-forming, Spreading
Flower
Greenish-white in Spring; Greenish-white in Summer
Foliage
Light green in Spring; Light green in Summer; Light green in Autumn
How to care
Watch out for
Pests
Generally pest free
Diseases
Generally disease free
General care
Pruning
Cut back in spring
Propagation methods
Division
Sign up for your FREE ACCOUNT today or login to receive detailed monthly care instructions
Where to grow
Melica altissima 'Alba' (Siberian melic 'Alba') will reach a height of 1.5m and a spread of 0.8m after 2-5 years.
Suggested uses
City, Cottage/Informal, Beds and borders, Low Maintenance, Containers
Cultivation
Plant in moderately fertile, moist, free-draining soil. Dislikes winter wet.
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Sun
Aspect
North, South, East, West
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
Companion plants
We do not currently have companion plants added for this plant.
Botanical name
Melica altissima 'Alba'
Other names
Siberian melic 'Alba', Tall melic 'Alba', White Siberian melic
Genus
Melica Melica
Variety or Cultivar
'Alba' _ 'Alba' is a tufted, clump-forming, spreading, deciduous perennial grass with linear, pointed, pale green leaves and erect stems bearing one-sided panicles of greenish-white flower spikelets from late spring to late summer.
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump-forming, Spreading
Create your free Shoot garden
Create your free SHOOT garden and make a record of the plants in your garden.
Add your own photos, notes, get monthly email reminders on how to care for your plants, and connect with other gardeners. Get started now.
Colour
Flower
Greenish-white in Spring; Greenish-white in Summer
Foliage
Light green in Spring; Light green in Summer; Light green in Autumn
How to care
Watch out for
Pests
Generally pest free
Diseases
Generally disease free
General care
Pruning
Cut back in spring
Propagation methods
Division
Monthly care advice
Get access to monthly care advice
Create a free SHOOT account and get instant access to expert care advice for this and other plants in your garden.
You'll also receive handy monthly email reminders of what needs doing. Create your free account.
Where to grow
Melica altissima 'Alba' (Siberian melic 'Alba') will reach a height of 1.5m and a spread of 0.8m after 2-5 years.
Suggested uses
City, Cottage/Informal, Beds and borders, Low Maintenance, Containers
Cultivation
Plant in moderately fertile, moist, free-draining soil. Dislikes winter wet.
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Sun
Aspect
North, South, East, West
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
USDA zones
Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5
In order to add a note on this plant, please add this plant to your plant lists.
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types) | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Moist but well-drained, Well-drained | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Partial Shade, Full Sun | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | North, South, East, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Exposed, Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Hardy (H4) | Tell us... |
ARTICLES WITH THIS PLANT
Andy Sturgeon's design creates a sanctuary for conversation in the Mind Garden. A circular seating area is set within curved clay rendered walls - it’s a place to sit side-by-side and share… read more
This garden is a celebration of the brand’s commitment to sustainability, longevity and wellness; for people and the planet and is designed by multi award-winning garden designer Sarah Eberle… read more
Morris & Co., the British heritage brand founded by William Morris in 1861, will stage its first Show Garden at RHS Chelsea 2022, designed by award-winning landscape and garden designer Ruth… read more
M&G Investments, the title sponsor of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, commissioned designer Andy Sturgeon (Best in Show winner 2010 and 2016) to create this incredible garden. read more
By Kent-based garden designer Laura Anstiss. The garden gives an insight into the emotions felt by a child diagnosed with cancer, taking their own steps on the challenging journey through treatment. read more
Report content or feedback to Shoot
To add ? to your lists,
login to your account or subscribe.
Find out more about plant lists here
or Login
To add notes for this plant login to your account or register for a new account.
Sign up for freeor Login
To add images for this plant login to your account or register for a new account.
Sign up for freeor Login
To check if this plant is suitable for your garden first login to your account or subscribe.
or Login