Melica ciliata
silky-spike melic
M. ciliata is a deciduous, perennial grass forming a spreading clump of stiff, narrow green or blue-green leaves. In late spring it produces upright or arching stems with flower spikes up to 15cm long made up of small, pale cream flowers with silky hairs
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Cream | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Poaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Tufted
- Genus
Melica are deciduous, clump-forming perennial grasses with soft, linear leaves and arching stems bearing narrow panicles of flattened flowering spikelets in summer
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Europe N Africa SW Asia
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in any moderately fertile, well-drained soil. Protect from excessive winter wet
Propagation
Propagate by seed, sown in situ in spring or when ripe or by division in autumn
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Low Maintenance
- Cut flowers
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Remove dead foliage and old flowered stems in spring
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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