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Melica ciliata (Silky-spike melic)
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1 hour care
per year
per year
0.75m
Max height
Max height
0.6m
Max spread
Max spread
2-5 years
To maturity
To maturity
Plant details
Botanical name
Melica ciliata
Other names
Nodding melic, Pearl grass, Eyelash pearl grass, Silky melic, Silky-spike melic, Hairy melic
Genus
Melica Melica
Species
M. ciliata - M. ciliata is a compact, clump-forming, rhizomatous, deciduous perennial grass with upright to arching, linear, mid- to blue-green leaves and narrow, erect to nodding panicles of silky, white to cream flowers in late spring.
Melica ciliata is: Deciduous
Habit
Clump-forming
Flower
White, Cream in Spring
Foliage
Mid-green in Spring; Mid-green in Summer; Mid-green in Autumn
How to care
Watch out for
Pests
Generally pest free
Diseases
Generally disease free
General care
Pruning
Remove dead leaves and spent flower stems in spring.
Propagation methods
Division, Seed
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Where to grow
Melica ciliata (Silky-spike melic) will reach a height of 0.75m and a spread of 0.6m after 2-5 years.
Suggested uses
Beds and borders, City, Containers, Cottage/Informal, Flower Arranging, Low Maintenance, Planted in groups
Cultivation
Plant in moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun or light shade. Dislikes wet winter conditions. Summer dormant in hot climates. Relatively short-lived when planted individually. Self-sows easily.
Soil type
Chalky, Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
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 ciliata
Other names
Nodding melic, Pearl grass, Eyelash pearl grass, Silky melic, Silky-spike melic, Hairy melic
Genus
Melica Melica
Species
M. ciliata - M. ciliata is a compact, clump-forming, rhizomatous, deciduous perennial grass with upright to arching, linear, mid- to blue-green leaves and narrow, erect to nodding panicles of silky, white to cream flowers in late spring.
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump-forming
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Colour
Flower
White, Cream in Spring
Foliage
Mid-green in Spring; Mid-green in Summer; Mid-green in Autumn
How to care
Watch out for
Pests
Generally pest free
Diseases
Generally disease free
General care
Pruning
Remove dead leaves and spent flower stems in spring.
Propagation methods
Division, Seed
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Melica ciliata (Silky-spike melic) will reach a height of 0.75m and a spread of 0.6m after 2-5 years.
Suggested uses
Beds and borders, City, Containers, Cottage/Informal, Flower Arranging, Low Maintenance, Planted in groups
Cultivation
Plant in moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun or light shade. Dislikes wet winter conditions. Summer dormant in hot climates. Relatively short-lived when planted individually. Self-sows easily.
Soil type
Chalky, Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
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 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, Loamy, Sandy | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | 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... |
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