Melinis repens
Melinis repens · Poaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant melinis repens: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Common name
- Natal Red Top
- Family
- Poaceae
- Foliage
- Semi-evergreen to deciduous depending on climate
- Flowering
- Summer to autumn (July-October)
- Adult size
- 0.60 to 1.20 m in height
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Frost-tender in cold zones (grow as annual or in container)
- Origin
- South Africa
Care
Watering
Water regularly during the growing season, especially in containers and in hot weather. Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings. In winter, reduce watering considerably. Avoid standing water which promotes root rot.
Exposure and light
Place this ornamental grass in full sun to achieve a deep pink hue on the flower spikes. It tolerates partial shade but loses color intensity. Protect it from strong winds that could damage its airy form.
Soil and planting
Prepare well-drained, light soil, even poor soil: this grass tolerates sandy and well-structured soils. Overly rich or compact substrate will slow growth and risk water stagnation. Improve drainage with sand or gravel if needed.
Pruning and maintenance
Remove faded flower spikes to encourage prolonged flowering and maintain overall aesthetics. In late winter or early spring, cut the clump back to 10-15 cm to stimulate new growth. Regularly clean away dry and dead leaves.
Fertilization
Apply balanced fertilizer (NPK) once or twice monthly from May to September. Excess nitrogen promotes foliage at the expense of flowers: be moderate. Potassium additions will help enhance the pink color of the inflorescences.
Pests and diseases
Watch for spider mites in dry conditions, particularly in containers. Root rot and fungal diseases appear with excess moisture or poor drainage. Good air circulation and limited overhead watering reduce these risks.
Did you know?
Melinis repens, native to South Africa, owes its ornamental success to its spectacular powdery pink flowering that has adorned Mediterranean and subtropical gardens for several decades. Its genus Melinis is derived from ancient Greek, literally meaning 'small honey,' though the plant is primarily valued for its graceful flower spikes rather than the small amount of nectar it produces.
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
- Tufted hair grassDeschampsia cespitosa
- Wavy hair-grassAvenella flexuosa
- 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.