Oryzopsis miliacea
smilo grass
O. miliacea is a clump-forming, evergreen grass producing a mound of leaves to about 30cm, topped by whorled flowerheads, like a very fine horsetail, silvery green in summer then turning pale buff and remaining on the plant all winter
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Grey Silver | Green | ||
| Autumn | Brown | Green | ||
| Winter | Brown | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Poaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Tufted
- Genus
Oryzopsis are perennial, evergreen clump-forming plants from the grass family offering a variety of attractive ornamental grasses which can flower all year round. Commonly known as Ricegrass, they can be used in mixed ornamental borders or gravel gardens.
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Europe, Asia Africa
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in medium to light, moderately fertile soil in full sun. See ornamental grasses cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame in spring or by division in late winter or early spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Gravel garden
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
- Banks and slopes
- Cut flowers
Pruning
Remove dead leaves and flower stems in spring
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.