Melica ciliata
Melica ciliata · Poaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant melica ciliata: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous, finely textured
- Flowering
- Spring to early summer (May-June)
- Adult size
- 16–24 inches tall, compact and upright habit
- Growth
- Moderate
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (down to -4 °F)
- Origin
- Mediterranean basin and warm temperate regions of Eurasia
- Soil type
- Well-drained, poor to moderately fertile
- Exposure
- Full sun to partial shade
Care
Exposure
Install ciliate melic in full sun for optimal growth and better expression of the ciliate spikelets. It tolerates light partial shade, however. An airy exposure limits problems with stagnant moisture.
Soil
This ornamental grass prefers well-drained soil that is poor to moderately fertile. Compacted or constantly wet soils should be avoided entirely. Adding sand or gravel improves drainage on clay soils.
Watering
Once established, ciliate melic is very drought-tolerant. During the first year, water regularly to encourage rooting. Then reduce watering; irrigation should remain sparse.
Pruning and cleanup
Cut back the clump in early spring, before new growth emerges, to about 2–4 inches above the soil. This promotes density and removes dead material. Light cleanup of dry foliage in autumn improves overall appearance.
Fertilizing
No fertilizer is necessary. This grass thrives on poor soils, and excess nutrients promote weak growth and poor form. A mineral mulch is plenty.
Diseases and pests
Ciliate melic is very disease-resistant. Problems occur mainly with overly wet or poorly drained soil, which can lead to root rot. Good drainage prevents most health issues.
Did you know?
Ciliate melic gets its common name from its spikelets bordered with long, fine silvery cilia, which give the plant an airy, elegant texture when flowering. This ornamental grass has long been favored by Mediterranean gardeners and landscapers seeking a structural, airy, and hardy plant capable of thriving even on poor chalky soils with minimal maintenance.
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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- Purple moor-grassMolinia caerulea
- Reed canary-grassPhalaris arundinacea
- Common quaking grassBriza media
- Creeping soft-grassHolcus mollis
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.