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Melica altissima 'Atropurpurea'

 
Melica altissima 'Atropurpurea'
Siberian melic grass
Melica altissima 'Atropurpurea'
An added bonus: it returns to brighten up the garden in early spring – this photo was taken in early April

Common name Siberian melic grass
Family poaceae
Life cycle perennial (Z4-9)
Flowers deep purple (late spring)
Size 2'
Light sun-part shade
Cultural notes ordinary garden soil
From seed See details below
detailed seed-starting info below
Seed ripensearly July

The first year I grew this, out of all the seed I sowed, just one germinated - and it looked pretty spindly, too. So we were pleased that the next year, not only did it return, but it looked like a pretty robust plant. Then, late May, all of a sudden these striking dark plum flowerstalks appeared. I think this is one of those plants that is better than expected - a rare treat!

Siberian melic grass
Fading flowers in early August

We left this plant behind in our Pennsylvania garden (and wish it well); we don't grow it in Houston.

Seed for this plant is included on my seed trade list

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Seed-starting details for this plant

  1. Seed from '02 trade. Baggy 70F (1 out of many germinated, 7d)
  2. Same seed as above. Pot set outside in early March. Germination started in April, continued into May, total of 8 seedlings (out of many seeds)

Most seeds apparently are duds - sow thickly. Letting mother nature do her thing may be better than inside conditions.


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