Siberian melicgrass
Melica altissima · Poaceae
📷 Daderot · Public domain
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant siberian melicgrass: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Scientific name
- Melica altissima
- Family
- Poaceae (grasses)
- Plant type
- Ornamental perennial grass
- Adult height
- Approximately 90 cm
- Flowering
- June to July
- Foliage
- Deciduous, medium green to bluish
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (down to -15°C)
- Origin
- Caucasus and Central Asia
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability high.
Expert tips
The key tip
Well-drained soil, even gravelly. No watering needed once established.
The common mistake
Cutting it back in October-November loses the winter interest; wait until February to clean it up.
The pro's trick
Plant it in groups of 3-5 spaced 50 cm apart: it creates a more pronounced wave effect than solo, and the roots won't compete with neighbors.
Seasonal watch
Wet autumn in moderate drainage climates: check that it doesn't rot at the base.
Care
Light exposure
Plant tall melick in full sun for optimal growth and beautiful foliage color. It tolerates partial shade but will be less dense and produce fewer flowers. This sunny location also promotes stem stiffness and plant stability.
Watering
Water moderately when planting to establish the root system, then reduce watering gradually. This grass is very frugal and only needs regular watering during the first two months after planting. Once established, it tolerates drought well thanks to its deep root system.
Soil
Tall melick appreciates well-drained soil, preferably calcareous or neutral. It adapts to poor and rocky terrain. Avoid heavy and compacted soils; adding sand or gravel improves drainage if necessary.
Pruning and cutting
Cut dead foliage at the end of winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Use pruners or a power trimmer. Cut back deciduous foliage to approximately 10-15 cm above ground to encourage new shoots to emerge.
Fertilizing
No fertilizer is necessary for tall melick under normal conditions. If your soil is very depleted, a moderate application of organic fertilizer in spring is sufficient. Avoid excess nitrogen, which can make the plant too soft and prone to lodging.
Health and problems
This grass is very resistant to disease. Good air circulation and proper drainage prevent fungal problems. It is not bothered by pests or common ornamental plant diseases when well established.
Did you know?
Tall melick is highly valued by modern landscapers for its slender habit and delicate panicles that sway in the slightest breeze. Its Latin name 'altissima' literally means 'very tall,' reflecting its remarkable stature among grasses. It was introduced to Western Europe from the Caucasus in the nineteenth century and remains a staple of natural and dry gardens.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
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- Common quaking grassBriza media
- Creeping soft-grassHolcus mollis
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.