Grass · Poaceae family
hairy melick
Melica ciliata
In short a 10-second read
Hairy melick (grass) grows to 0.3–0.6 m tall and 0.4 m wide when mature. It grows best in full sun, in dry soil. Hardy to −23 °C.
× spread 0.4 m
Where to plant
Sun, soil, frost.
It grows best in full sun, in dry soil. Hardy to −23 °C.
Sun
Elsewhere it will grow less well.
Soil and water
dry · watering: little
Soil: loamy, humus-rich
Frost
It copes with a normal winter outdoors.
How much space it takes
Mature size.
The mature plant next to a person (175 cm).
Next to a person
Reaches maturity in about 2–5 years. The final size depends on the cultivar and the spot — we give the range from smallest to largest.
Calendar
What to do and when.
Months for Central Europe. The line shows the current month.
The year at a glance
Pruning
cut back to the ground (February–March)
Planting
container plant: March–May, September–October
Winter protection
protect from winter wet
Overwintering
In winter it needs protection.
Before the first frosts: protect from winter wet.
- Protect from winter wet
- Hardy to −23 °C
- Dies back in winter and regrows in spring
What to combine it with
Same needs, different flowering.
They share the same sun and soil and flower in other months — so the bed flowers for longer.
Frequently asked
Quick answers.
Does hairy melick tolerate shade?
No, it needs full sun.
How much space does hairy melick need?
At maturity 0.4 m wide and 0.3–0.6 m tall; recommended spacing 40 cm.
Does hairy melick survive winter outdoors?
Yes, with protection: protect from winter wet.
Where the data comes from
The data is indicative — we are still comparing it with further sources. Last checked 28 September 2026.
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