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Melinis nerviglumis

Ruby Grass

Plant photo of: Melinis nerviglumis
Information by: San Marcos Growers        Photographer: San Marcos Growers

 

Description

A small semi-evergreen cool-season grass from S. Africa that forms a tidy 1 foot tall clump. It has blue-green foliage that turns purplish-red in the fall and showy pink flowers that rise a foot above the foliage in the spring and summer with spent flowers still attractive into winter. Best in full sun with regular water in a well-drained soil but tolerates considerable periods without irrigation and near seaside conditions.

 

Plant Type

Ground cover, Perennial

Height Range

Under 1'

Width Range

Under 1'

Flower Color

Pink

Flower Season

Spring, Summer

Leaf Color

Blue Green, Grey Green

Bark Color

n/a

Fruit Color

n/a

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full

Water

Medium

Growth Rate

Moderate

Soil Type

Sandy, Loam, Rocky

Soil Condition

Average, Well-drained

Soil pH

Neutral

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

Meadow, Ranch, Water Garden

Accenting Features

Showy Flowers, Unusual Foliage

Seasonal Interest

Fall

Location Uses

Lawn, Swimming Pool

Special Uses

Container, Naturalizing

Attracts Wildlife

Birds

Water Saving Tip:

Replace turf with groundcovers, trees, and shrubs.

If you have areas where no one uses the grass, patches that do not grow well, or a turf area too small to water without runoff, consider replacing the turf with water-efficient landscaping.