Melica atropurpurea

Description

Melica altissima ‘Atropurpurea’ – Siberian melic

Botanical name: Melica altissima ‘Atropurpurea’
Common names: Siberian melic, tall melick
Family: Poaceae (grass family)
Plant type: Deciduous perennial grass
Habit: Upright, clump-forming
Pot size: 2–3 litre pot
Eventual size: Approx. 90–120cm tall × 45cm spread
Foliage: Fresh green, arching leaves; deciduous
Flowers: Slender, one-sided spikes of dangling purple-brown flower spikelets on tall stems, early to midsummer (June–July)
Scent: Not scented
Aspect / light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Fertile, moist but well-drained; any pH
Hardiness: RHS H6 (hardy, to about −20°C); USDA zones 5–8
Exposure: Sheltered or open
Native range: Species native to eastern Europe and Asia
Toxicity / pet & child safety: Generally considered non-toxic to people and pets

Melica altissima ‘Atropurpurea’ is an elegant grass with tall stems carrying slender spikes of dangling purple-brown flower spikelets in early summer. Graceful in borders and lovely for cutting.

GardenAdvice notes

An elegant, clump-forming deciduous grass, Siberian melic is grown for its slender, one-sided flower spikes hung with dangling purple-brown spikelets, held on tall stems above fresh green foliage in early summer. It brings height, movement and a rich, dusky colour to borders and mixes beautifully with perennials, and tolerates light shade.

Growing & planting

Plant in spring or autumn in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. It is a useful grass for a border that gets some shade, as well as sunnier spots. Space about 45cm apart. It weaves well among summer perennials.

Care & maintenance

Low-maintenance. Enjoy the flower spikes through summer; cut back the old growth in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Water while establishing. It may self-seed gently; remove seedheads before ripening to limit this. Divide congested clumps in spring.

Propagation

• Division: Lift and divide clumps in spring.
• Seed: Sow seed in spring, though named forms are best from division.

Pests & diseases

Generally trouble-free and easy, with few pests or diseases.

Uses in the garden

Lovely in mixed and naturalistic borders, weaving among summer perennials, and in light shade, where its dusky flower spikes add height and movement; the spikes are excellent for cutting, fresh or dried.

Wildlife value

The flowers and seedheads offer some value to insects and seed-eating birds, and the plant adds structure to naturalistic plantings.

Toxicity & safety

Siberian melic is generally regarded as non-toxic to people and pets.

GardenAdvice tip

The charm of this melic is its slender, one-sided spikes of dangling purple-brown flowers, which look wonderful woven among summer perennials rather than standing alone — so thread it through a border for height and movement. It tolerates a bit of shade too, which makes it more versatile than many grasses, and the spikes are lovely cut for the vase.

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