Also known as Bristle-Leaved Red Top · Bristle-Leaved Redtop
Melinis nerviglumis, or bristle-leaved red-top grass, is an ornamental grass prized for its soft, pinkish-red flower plumes and fine-textured foliage.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Prefers at least six hours of direct sunlight per day for best growth and color.
Moderate
50% intensity
Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings during the growing season. Reduce in winter.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Prefers warm temperatures during the growing season. Protect from hard freezes.
Outdoor
50% intensity
Low
25% intensity
Fertilize sparingly once in spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water consistently during the growing season, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce watering in fall and winter, providing just enough to prevent complete desiccation.
Overwatering can lead to root rot, especially in cooler temperatures.
Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Cut back all dead or faded foliage to about 10-15 cm above the ground. This encourages vigorous new growth and maintains a tidy appearance.
Propagate by division in early spring. Carefully lift the plant and divide the root ball into sections, ensuring each section has viable roots and shoots. Replant divisions immediately into well-draining soil.
Repotting is rarely necessary for Melinis nerviglumis as it is typically grown in the ground. If grown in a container, repot in spring when the plant becomes root-bound, using a larger pot with fresh, well-draining potting mix.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Bristle-Leaved Red-Top Grass (Melinis nerviglumis)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Poales |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Genus | Melinis |
| Species | Melinis nerviglumis |
Similar in genus Melinis
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
