Melica uniflora 'Variegata'
Wood melic
- Height × spread
- 0.2m × 0.3m
- Position
- All conditions
- Hardiness
- Colder than -20C (RHS H7)
- Flowers
- Spring, Summer
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This is a small and very pretty grass having white striped, sometimes purple flushed, leaves. There are thin black flower stalks bearing tiny black flowers. In spring it is a soft and fresh addition to the garden, a good foil for small spring bulbs. Trim it back to induce fresh growth in midsummer if begins to look a bit ragged. Give this modest and appealing grass ample moisture and a partly shaded site if it is to be seen at its best. It grows to around 20cm (8in) high.
- Flower colour
- Black
- Foliage colour
- Green, White
- Variegated
- Yes
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Fan
- Height
- 0.2m
- Spread
- 0.3m
- Flowers in
- Spring, Summer
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Sun or shade
- All conditions
- Soil type
- Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Damp and wet soil, Well drained soil, Dry and shady soil
- Hardiness
- Colder than -20C (RHS H7)
- Borders & containers
- Borders and containers
- Use for
- Ground cover, Bird attraction
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
Spring - early-mid · Planting
Divide when too large
The plant can be divided if it becomes too large or another plant is required. This may involve physically dividing the clump in two, removing offsets or small bulbs or dividing rhizomes. The new plants can be grown in pots or planted in the ground.
Spring - mid · Planting
Prune to the ground
Cut to ground in mid spring.
Planting & general
Planting
Deadhead blooms during flowering season
Remove flowers as they turn brown and fade. Snip the stem just below the bloom. This will keep the plant tidy and encourage more flowers.
The removal of spent flowers encourages the plant to produce fresh ones, rather than spend its energy on the development of seeds.