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Position

Sun Exposure:
Dappled shade, full sun, partial shade
Aspect:
East facing, south facing, west facing
Position in Border:
Front

Soil

Prefers rich soil:
Chalky / Alkaline / Clay / Heavy / Moist / Well Drained / Light / Sandy

Melica altissima 'Alba' is a graceful ornamental grass that really comes into its own when in flower, in spring and early summer. The flowers look like grains of rice and bring a lovely airiness to borders. It's especially useful for brightening up shady spots.

This is a low-maintenance grass, simply needing cutting back in late winter or early spring before the new foliage emerges. To propagate it, clumps can be divided in early spring to produce new plants.

For best results, grow Melica altissima 'Alba' in full sun or partial shade in a rich, well-drained soil.

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Plant calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Plantyesyesyesyesyesyes
Flowersyesyesyes
Divideyesyes
Pruneyes

Melica ‘Alba’ and wildlife

Melica ‘Alba’ has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.

Is Melica ‘Alba’ poisonous?

Melica ‘Alba’ causes an upset stomach. Its foliage and seeds are toxic.

Toxic to:
Is known to attract Horses
Horses
Is known to attract Livestock
Livestock
No reported toxicity to:
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is not known to attract Cats
Cats
Is not known to attract Dogs
Dogs
Is not known to attract People
People
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