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Melica nutans (Mountain melic)
1 hour care
per year
per year
0.5m
Max height
Max height
0.5m
Max spread
Max spread
2-5 years
To maturity
To maturity
Plant details
Botanical name
Melica nutans
Other names
Mountain melic, Mountain melick, Nodding melic
Genus
Melica Melica
Species
M. nutans - M. nutans is a slowly spreading, deciduous, perennial grass with loose clumps of linear, glossy, bright green leaves and arching stems bearing one-sided, panicles of brown and cream flower spikelets from late spring into summer.
Melica nutans is: Deciduous
Habit
Clump-forming, Spreading
Flower
Cream, Brown in Spring; Cream, Brown in Summer
Foliage
Bright-green in Spring; Bright-green in Summer; Bright-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
Sow seed in situ as soon as ripe or in spring.
Propagation methods
Division
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Where to grow
Melica nutans (Mountain melic) will reach a height of 0.5m and a spread of 0.5m after 2-5 years.
Suggested uses
City, Cottage/Informal, Beds and borders, Low Maintenance, Containers
Cultivation
Grow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained, preferably alkaline to neutral soil in light shade. Dislikes excessive winter wet.
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Soil pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade
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 nutans
Other names
Mountain melic, Mountain melick, Nodding melic
Genus
Melica Melica
Species
M. nutans - M. nutans is a slowly spreading, deciduous, perennial grass with loose clumps of linear, glossy, bright green leaves and arching stems bearing one-sided, panicles of brown and cream flower spikelets from late spring into summer.
Native to
Europe, Northern Asia, Southwestern Asia
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump-forming, Spreading
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Colour
Flower
Cream, Brown in Spring; Cream, Brown in Summer
Foliage
Bright-green in Spring; Bright-green in Summer; Bright-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
Sow seed in situ as soon as ripe or in spring.
Propagation methods
Division
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Melica nutans (Mountain melic) will reach a height of 0.5m and a spread of 0.5m after 2-5 years.
Suggested uses
City, Cottage/Informal, Beds and borders, Low Maintenance, Containers
Cultivation
Grow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained, preferably alkaline to neutral soil in light shade. Dislikes excessive winter wet.
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Soil pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade
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
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: | Alkaline, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Partial Shade | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | North, South, East, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Exposed, Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Hardy (H4) | Tell us... |
ARTICLES WITH THIS PLANT
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
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