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Choose your climateBased on winter hardiness only.

Grass · Poaceae family

Hairy melic grass

Melica ciliata

Full sun 11¾ in–1 ft 11⅝ in × 1 ft 3¾ in to −73 °F

In short a 10-second read

SunFull sun
Size11¾ in–1 ft 11⅝ in
spacing 15¾ in
PlantingMarch–May, September–October
WinterProtect from winter wet

Where to plant and how much to water

Sun, soil and water.

It grows best in full sun, in dry soil.

Sun

Sun6 hours or more
Part shade3–6 hours
Shadeunder 3 h

Soil

tolerates any pH
acidicneutralalkaline
dryloamyhumus-rich

Watering

drought tolerant once establisheddo not waterlogless when it rains

Frost

−73 °F
protect from winter wetdies back in winter, regrows in spring

How much space it takes

Mature size.

The mature plant next to a person (69 in).

19¾ in3 ft 3⅜ in4 ft 11 in11¾ in–1 ft 11⅝ inspread 1 ft 3¾ in
11¾ in–1 ft 11⅝ in× spread 1 ft 3¾ in

Plant 15¾ in apart.

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

Through the year.

Typical for a temperate climate (four seasons). The line shows the current month.

The year at a glance

Planting: JanuaryPlanting: FebruaryPlanting: MarchPlanting: AprilPlanting: MayPlanting: JunePlanting: JulyPlanting: AugustPlanting: SeptemberPlanting: OctoberPlanting: NovemberPlanting: DecemberJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Planting
Now, in October: a good time for planting (container plant).
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Planting

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

container plant: March–May, September–October

Feeding

Nutrition.

No feeding

Pests and diseases

Common problems and what to do.

The most common problems in Central Europe. Protection is listed from the gentlest option.

No serious pests or diseases

Generally pest-free and disease-free; protect from excess winter wet.

Sources (1)

Frequently asked

Quick answers.

Does hairy melic grass tolerate shade?

No, it needs full sun.

How much space does hairy melic grass need?

At maturity 1 ft 3¾ in wide and 11¾ in–1 ft 11⅝ in tall; recommended spacing 15¾ in.

Sources (7) Checked 28 September 2026

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