Silky melick (Melica ciliata)
Care, watering, light and tips for Silky melick on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Poaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
About Silky melick
Melica ciliata, commonly known as grushengeaks, is a low-growing ornamental perennial grass, valued for its feathery, silvery spikelets that shimmer in the sunlight. It forms compact clumps of fine, grayish-green foliage, adding a delicate texture to the garden. It is ideal for rock gardens, sunny path edges, or as a filler plant in gravel gardens and xeriscapes.
Native range
Temperate regions of Eurasia and North Africa
Care tips
This grass prefers full sun exposure to bloom profusely and maintain compact growth. It is extremely drought-tolerant once established, so watering should be sparse; overwatering is the most common mistake. It requires well-drained substrate, preferably sandy or stony, and does not need frequent fertilization.
How to save a dying Silky melick
- Warning signs
- Leaves drying and curling, overall straw-like color, lack of flower spikes.
- First aid
- Move it to a spot with more direct sunlight and ensure the soil drains very well.
- What kills it
- Excessive shade and constantly wet or waterlogged soil. It hates shady environments and poor drainage.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes! It's a robust grass. With sun and good drainage, it recovers quickly.