Melica Seeds - Red Spire
SEASON
Perennial
USDA ZONES
4 - 8
HEIGHT
40 inches
WIDTH
40 inches
FOLIAGE COLOR
Green
FLOWER COLOR
Purplish-brown
GROWTH RATE
Moderate
FALL COLOR
No change
SOIL REQUIREMENT
Evenly moist soils, pH 5.5 - 7.2
ENVIRONMENT
Full sun to partial shade
DEER RESISTANT
Yes
MOISTURE REQUIREMENTS
Moist soils
LATIN NAME
Melica altissima
About...
Melica (Melica Altissima Red Spire) - Melica Redspire is not only one of the most lovely ornamental grasses, but it is also excellent for attracting wildlife. The birds love to eat the dried seed heads of Melic grass. In early summer, Melica grass bears satiny spires of red spikelets.
MORE MELICA OPTIONS
Planting Directions
TEMPERATURE
64 - 72F
AVERAGE GERM TIME
7 - 14 days
LIGHT REQUIRED
No
DEPTH
Cover the seeds lightly
SOWING RATE
2 - 3 seeds per plant
MOISTURE
Keeps seeds moist until germination
PLANT SPACING
40 inches
Melica (Melica Altissima Red Spire) - Melica Red Spire is not only one of the most lovely ornamental grasses, but it is also excellent for attracting wildlife. The birds love to eat the dried seed heads of Melic grass. In early summer, Melica grass bears satiny spires of red spikelets. The attractive spikelets are useful in arrangements either fresh or dried. The first year of establishment the Melic grass will grow to approximately 30 inches, and the following year it be full grown at approximately 40 inches. This ornamental grass is ideal for containers, mixed borders and wildlife landscapes, and it flowers the first year from early sowing.
How To Grow Melic Grass From Ornamental Grass Seed: Start the Melica seeds indoors in the late winter. Use small pots filled with seed starting mix. Place the Melic grass seeds onto the soil and cover thinly with sand or soil. Keep the ornamental grass seed in constant moisture (not wet). Transplant the grass outdoors after danger of frost has passed. Cut the plant back at the time of transplanting to keep the plant more compact. Melic grass will self-sow.
Common Questions
Do I need to prune back my plants?
Yes, cut back to the ground in late winter or early spring before new growth starts.
Are plants toxic to livestock?
Yes, plants and seeds are toxic for horses and livestock.
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