How to Grow Tall Melic Grass
Tall Melic Grass
Melica altissima
grassMelica altissima is a tall, cool-season ornamental grass native to central and southern Europe, known for its distinctive elegant flower spikes that rise well above the foliage. This semi-evergreen perennial reaches 3-4 feet in height and produces delicate, nodding panicles of small flowers in early summer. It's valued in gardens for its graceful appearance, fine texture, and relatively low maintenance requirements.
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Example Tall Melic Grass timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Tall Melic Grass
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Tall Melic Grass
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 4-8; prefers cooler climates with moderate moisture
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Germination & Seedling
2-4 weeksTiny grass seedlings with fine linear leaves emerging from soil. Very delicate at this stage.
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Protect from heavy foot traffic. Thin seedlings if densely sown. Provide 12-16 hours of light daily if starting indoors.
Establishment
6-12 weeks (first season)Young plants develop root system and foliage mound; leaves are fine and linear, forming a loose clump.
Water deeply twice weekly to encourage deep rooting. Mulch lightly around base (avoid piling against stems). Do not fertilize excessively. Remove any weeds competing for resources.
Vegetative Growth
Spring through early summer (months 2-6)Established clumps expand with increasingly dense fine-textured foliage. Plant reaches 1.5-2 feet tall by end of first year; continues expanding in year 2.
Water during dry spells (about 1 inch per week). Low to moderate fertilizer if needed in spring. Cut back dead foliage in early spring before new growth. Divide plants every 3-4 years if desired.
Flowering
4-8 weeks (June-July typically)Delicate flowering spikes emerge in early summer, rising 3-4 feet tall. Flowers are small, nodding, and held in open panicles; initially greenish, maturing to tan or purplish tones.
Allow flowers to develop naturally; no deadheading required unless you want to prevent self-seeding. Enjoy ornamental value throughout summer and into fall. Do not cut back during flowering.
Seed Maturation & Dormancy
August through March (6-8 months)Flower spikes dry and become buff or tan-colored, remaining ornamental through fall and winter. Foliage gradually browses and becomes dormant in winter; semi-evergreen leaves may persist.
Leave seed heads standing for wildlife and winter interest; remove in early spring before new growth emerges. Do not cut back until late winter or early spring. Provide winter drainage.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Rarely problematic; remove by hand if spotted. Encourage beneficial insects and birds. Use BtK (Bacillus thuringiensis) if severe.
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Improve air circulation by spacing plants adequately. Avoid overhead watering. Remove and destroy heavily infected foliage. Fungicidal sprays generally unnecessary.
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Ensure excellent drainage. Reduce watering frequency. Avoid planting in low-lying areas where water collects. Well-draining amended soil is preventative.
Uses
Cut and Dried Arrangements
CraftMelica altissima's tall, graceful flower spikes are excellent for both fresh and dried floral arrangements, providing height, movement, and delicate texture to bouquets and decorative displays. [source]
Garden Structure and Screening
HouseholdThe tall, airy stems create subtle vertical interest in borders and can serve as a semi-transparent screen or backdrop in garden design without creating a solid wall. [source]
Wildlife Habitat and Food
WildlifeSeed heads provide food for birds and small mammals in late summer and fall. Dense clumps offer shelter for beneficial insects and ground-dwelling creatures. [source]
Grain Production (Traditional)
CulinaryMelica altissima and related Melica species were historically used in some European regions as a minor grain crop, though not common in modern agriculture. [source]
Winter Garden Interest
HouseholdThe ornamental dried flower spikes and semi-evergreen foliage provide aesthetic appeal throughout fall and winter, adding texture and movement to dormant garden landscapes. [source]
Harvest Tips
Not typically harvested for food. For cut flower arrangements, cut flowering stems in early summer when flowers are fully developed but still fresh. For dried arrangements, cut when flowers have fully matured and dried naturally (mid to late summer). Seed can be collected in late summer if desired by cutting mature seed heads and allowing them to dry further indoors.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Melica altissima can live for 10+ years without division, making it a low-maintenance perennial investment that becomes more impressive with age.
- 🌱 The genus name 'Melica' comes from the Arabic word 'milk' meaning 'honey,' and the nodding flower habit is distinctive and recognizable across the genus.
- 🌱 This grass is nearly pest and disease-free in appropriate growing conditions, making it an excellent choice for organic gardens requiring minimal intervention.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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