Water
Water consistently to keep the soil evenly moist, especially during active growth. Avoid waterlogged conditions, as this can lead to root rot.
Reduce watering in the dormant season, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
Also known as Eastern Melick · Transylvanian Pearl Grass
Red Spire (Melica transsilvanica) is an ornamental grass featuring narrow, upright green foliage that turns reddish-bronze in fall, forming slender, airy plumes.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
75% intensity
Prefers 6+ hours of direct sunlight but tolerates some shade.
Moderate
50% intensity
Keep soil evenly moist during active growth, reduce in winter.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Hardy in temperate climates; prefers temperatures between 15-25°C.
Low
25% intensity
Light feeding in spring; avoid over-fertilizing.
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 to keep the soil evenly moist, especially during active growth. Avoid waterlogged conditions, as this can lead to root rot.
Reduce watering in the dormant season, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
Prune back dead or damaged foliage in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. This helps maintain a tidy appearance and encourages vigorous new shoots.
Remove any faded flower stalks to prevent self-seeding if desired.
Propagate Melica transsilvanica by dividing established clumps in early spring or autumn. Carefully separate the rhizomatous root system into smaller sections, ensuring each section has roots and shoots.
Replant immediately into well-draining soil.
Repotting is typically only necessary when the plant becomes root-bound, which is uncommon for this species in its preferred garden setting. If grown in a container, repot in spring every 2-3 years into a slightly 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 Red Spire (Melica transsilvanica)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Poales |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Genus | Melica |
| Species | Melica transsilvanica |
Similar in genus Melica
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
