Silky-spike melic (Melica ciliata) is a grass plant that can grow 50cm – 1.5m tall and 10cm – 50cm wide. In this growing guide we’ll learn the cultivation details and how to plant Silky-spike melic (Melica ciliata).
This plant is commonly known as silky-spike melic.
This is a deciduous plant that takes 2-5 years to reach full maturity.
In this article
Plant profile
Common name: silky-spike melic
Scientific name: Melica ciliata
Plant type: Grasses
Habit: Tufted
Height: 50cm – 1.5m
Spread: 10cm – 50cm
Foliage: Deciduous
Sunlight: Full Sun, Partial shade
Soil: Chalk, Loam, Sand
Moisture: Well drained
Garden type: Informal Garden
Planting type: Cut Flowers, Flower borders and bedding, Low Maintenance
Seasonal colors
| Season | Stem | Foliage | Flower | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
How to plant Silky-spike melic (Melica ciliata) – Daderot, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
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How to plant
In this section we will learn how to plant Silky-spike melic (Melica ciliata), know its needs in terms of soil, watering and sun exposure.
Soil
Silky-spike melic (Melica ciliata) is not a demanding plant regarding the type of soil and can grow in chalk, loam or sand.
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The chalky soil is pale and contains chunks of calcium-rich rock. It is a fertile and well-draining soil, almost always alkaline.
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The loam soil is dark, rich in organic matter but balanced in minerals. It offers the best of all worlds, retaining enough water for the plants, but allowing excess moisture to drain away. This is the most desired type of garden soil, perfect for most plants.
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Sandy soil is light, porous and very easy to drain. It is a soil poor in organic matter and nutrients. It is composed of relatively large mineral particles that allow water to drain quickly.
It is not very sensitive to soil acidity or alkalinity and grows well in soils with pH acid, alkaline or neutral.
Regarding drainage, Melica ciliata likes to grow in well drained soil.
Sunlight
Silky-spike melic (Melica ciliata) is a plant that should be grown in full sun or partial shade positions.
Cultivation profiles – Growing Silky-spike melic (Melica ciliata) – Krzysztof Golik, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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