Melica altissima 'Atropurpurea'
Siberian melic
Overview
Melica altissima 'Atropurpurea' is a clump-forming perennial grass growing 36-48 inches (90-120 cm) tall and 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) wide. Upright stems carry one-sided flower panicles 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) long in early to midsummer, hung with flattened spikelets that open green and mature to deep purple-brown. The arching leaves are mid-green, flat, and about 0.4 inch (1 cm) wide, forming a loose tuft at the base. As the spikelets age they shed and the panicles fade to buff, persisting into autumn. Plants reach mature size within one to two seasons. M. altissima grows in full sun to part shade, flowering more heavily in sun and tolerating drier shade once established. The purple spikelets are held on stems that can flop after rain or in rich soil, and the cultivar self-seeds where panicles are left to ripen. Foliage grows untidy and may brown by late summer, particularly in dry sites. The clump is short-lived on heavy, wet ground and benefits from division every few years.
Native Range
Melica altissima is native to eastern Europe and temperate Asia, from Siberia and Russia through to the Caucasus, where it grows in open woodland, scrub, and grassy slopes. 'Atropurpurea' is a purple-spikeleted garden selection of the species.Suggested Uses
Planted in mixed borders, woodland-edge plantings, and naturalistic schemes, spaced 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) apart. Combined with summer perennials, where the purple panicles rise among broad-leaved plants. The cut stems are used fresh or dried in arrangements.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 4'
Width/Spread1'6" - 2'
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Panicles emerge in early summer, June into July, and color from green to purple-brown over several weeks. The dried spikelets and stems persist into autumn before shattering. Plants do not usually rebloom after the single early-summer flush.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
green maturing to purple-brownFoliage Description
mid-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grow in full sun to part shade on moist, well-drained soil of average fertility. Water through the first season to establish; afterward the grass tolerates short dry spells, though prolonged drought browns the foliage. Cut the clump to the ground in late winter before new growth begins. Congested clumps are lifted and divided every three to four years in spring to keep them vigorous. Rich soil and heavy rain cause the flowering stems to flop, so leaner ground gives sturdier stems. Removing spent panicles before seed drop limits self-sown seedlings.Pruning
Cut all foliage and old flower stems to the ground in late winter or early spring before new shoots appear. No other pruning is needed during the season. Spent panicles can be removed earlier to limit self-seeding.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
winterearly spring
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons