Melinis
( MEE - lee - niz )
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At-A-Glance InformationCommonly called Natal Grass, this genus includes species of annual or perennial clumping grasses that need full sun and regular water to perform well in the landscape. They are native to Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, India, the Canary Islands, and the western Indian Ocean islands. Plants produce narrow leaves and stems topped with clusters of airy flowers. Use these grasses in mixed beds and borders, containers, or rock gardens to add soft texture, movement, and vibrant seasonal color. They can also be mass-planted and used for erosion control or soil stabilization.
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Melinis Species and Varietals
Melinis is a genus in the plant family Poaceae and includes 23 distinct species. The genus name is derived from the Greek word 'meline', which means Millet. These grasses do well in USDA hardiness zones 8-11 or Sunset growing zones 2b-24, H1 and H2, or in any zone as an annual.
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Melinis minutiflora (Molasses Grass, Brazilian Stink Grass, Efwatakala Grass, Honey Grass, Capim-Gordura) Native to Africa, this perennial grass can reach up to between 2 and 5 feet tall when mature. It is typically seen matted, and can also spread up other plants, using them as support (similar to vines). Foliage is fragrant and flower inflorescences are present in spring and summer. It is a popular livestock feed. This species is considered highly invasive in Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia, Australia, the Dominican Republic, Central America, Southeast Asia, and in Hawaii (United States). |
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Melinis nerviglumis (Bristle-Leaved Red Top, Mountain Red Top, Pink Bubble Grass, Ruby Grass) Native to tropical southern Africa, this species is cultivated as an ornamental grass in gardens around the world for its summertime flowers. Leaves are blue-green and flowers are purple and fade to white. Cultivars include 'Savannah' (with pink flower heads to 18-24 inches tall) and 'Pink Crystals' (pictured; with silky pink inflorescences that fade to silver; to 18-24 inches tall). This species is considered highly invasive in Texas, Florida, Hawai'i, and California in the United States. |
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Melinis repens (Natal Grass, Natal Red Top, Rose Natal Grass, Bhurakwacha, Imai) This species is native to southern Africa. Individual plants can reach up to 2 to 4 feet tall and form tufts that can reach up to 2 feet wide. Flower spikes are pink to red and are 2-8 inches long. This species is considered invasive in the United States, Australia, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and French Polynesia. |
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Caring for Melinis
Plant Melinis, or Natal Grass, in a place in the landscape that receives full sun; ideally, they appreciate between 6 and 8 hours of sun each day. Ensure that soil is well-draining, rich in nutrients, and has a pH of between 4.5 and 8.4 (acidic to slightly alkaline). If local soils are particularly poor in nutrients or do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic compost before installing. Apply a layer of mulch around the planting area to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Water new plantings regularly as they establish a strong root system in their new home. At maturity, these plants perform well in consistently moist soils; as a general rule of thumb, water whenever the top few inches of soil feels dry to the touch. Irrigation once or twice a week during the dry months of the year is sufficient.
Fertilize yearly in early springtime with an application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. Pruning is simple; remove any damaged, diseased, or dead foliage at any time during the growing season, and remove spent flower spikes to neaten up the appearance of plants and encourage reblooms. Seed heads can also be left on their plants over the winter months to provide height and interest. In early springtime, cut back clumps low to the ground before new growth begins to rejuvenate for the season. Every few years, especially if these grasses are grown in containers or tight border areas, they will need to be divided to avoid becoming overcrowded. For instructions on how to successfully divide these grasses, consult the Propagation section below. Melinis perennial species typically last for between 3 and 10 years in the landscape before needing to be replaced. Annual species are pulled and composted at the end of the growing season or left in place to be used as soil enrichment.
Caring for Melinis in Containers
Natal Grass is commonly grown in the ground, but can also be grown in containers on patios and walkways. Choose a large container that is at least a 5-gallon size to accommodate the plant's mature root ball. Ensure that the container has adequate drainage holes on the bottom to allow for excess water to flow away. Fill with a well-draining potting mix amended with organic material and perlite. Top soil with a layer of mulch to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and increase soil moisture retention. Water new plantings regularly as they establish a strong root system in their new container. At maturity, they will need more water than their in-ground counterparts. As a general rule of thumb, water whenever the top two inches of soil feels dry to the touch. The appearance of these grasses can be improved by removing any dead growth in early springtime. Needs to be cut back to between 6 and 10 inches tall in late winter or early springtime at least every few years to encourage new foliage to grow and to keep plants growing vigorously. Every few years they will need to be divided to ensure ongoing health. For instructions on how to successfully divide Melinis plants, see the Propagation section below.
Harvesting Melinis
In addition to being wispy additions to landscapes, these grasses are also cultivated for their cut flowers, which are used in both fresh and dried arrangements. They add airy texture and height, and are typically harvested in mid summer to early fall. Foliage color becomes most vibrant at this time of the year. Use a sharp, clean pair of pruning shears or snips to avoid damaging stems and prevent the spread of disease. Cut at the base of stems, and immediately drop them into a bucket of cool water. Fresh stems have a vase life of about two weeks. To dry stems, bunch them and hang them upside down in a cool, dark, dry area after harvesting. Once completely dried, handle with care to avoid breaking the brittle stems. They can be added to long-lasting dry bouquets, wreaths, or used in other floral crafts.
Fertilize yearly in early springtime with an application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. Pruning is simple; remove any damaged, diseased, or dead foliage at any time during the growing season, and remove spent flower spikes to neaten up the appearance of plants and encourage reblooms. Seed heads can also be left on their plants over the winter months to provide height and interest. In early springtime, cut back clumps low to the ground before new growth begins to rejuvenate for the season. Every few years, especially if these grasses are grown in containers or tight border areas, they will need to be divided to avoid becoming overcrowded. For instructions on how to successfully divide these grasses, consult the Propagation section below. Melinis perennial species typically last for between 3 and 10 years in the landscape before needing to be replaced. Annual species are pulled and composted at the end of the growing season or left in place to be used as soil enrichment.
Caring for Melinis in Containers
Natal Grass is commonly grown in the ground, but can also be grown in containers on patios and walkways. Choose a large container that is at least a 5-gallon size to accommodate the plant's mature root ball. Ensure that the container has adequate drainage holes on the bottom to allow for excess water to flow away. Fill with a well-draining potting mix amended with organic material and perlite. Top soil with a layer of mulch to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and increase soil moisture retention. Water new plantings regularly as they establish a strong root system in their new container. At maturity, they will need more water than their in-ground counterparts. As a general rule of thumb, water whenever the top two inches of soil feels dry to the touch. The appearance of these grasses can be improved by removing any dead growth in early springtime. Needs to be cut back to between 6 and 10 inches tall in late winter or early springtime at least every few years to encourage new foliage to grow and to keep plants growing vigorously. Every few years they will need to be divided to ensure ongoing health. For instructions on how to successfully divide Melinis plants, see the Propagation section below.
Harvesting Melinis
In addition to being wispy additions to landscapes, these grasses are also cultivated for their cut flowers, which are used in both fresh and dried arrangements. They add airy texture and height, and are typically harvested in mid summer to early fall. Foliage color becomes most vibrant at this time of the year. Use a sharp, clean pair of pruning shears or snips to avoid damaging stems and prevent the spread of disease. Cut at the base of stems, and immediately drop them into a bucket of cool water. Fresh stems have a vase life of about two weeks. To dry stems, bunch them and hang them upside down in a cool, dark, dry area after harvesting. Once completely dried, handle with care to avoid breaking the brittle stems. They can be added to long-lasting dry bouquets, wreaths, or used in other floral crafts.
Propagation
Melinis, or Ostrich Grass, is best propagated through division. To propagate your Melinis, follow the instructions below:
Propagating Melinis by Division
This type of propagation is relatively simple; you will need a clean shovel, mulch, fresh soil, compost and pots (only necessary if you will be saving divided plants for transporting elsewhere). Division is best done in early spring or early fall. To propagate by division, follow these steps:
Propagating Melinis by Division
This type of propagation is relatively simple; you will need a clean shovel, mulch, fresh soil, compost and pots (only necessary if you will be saving divided plants for transporting elsewhere). Division is best done in early spring or early fall. To propagate by division, follow these steps:
- Using a shovel, dig up your existing plant. Start from the outside and work your way in to avoid damaging the root(s). Once you have worked it up out of the ground, lay it out.
- Separate the removed patch of grass into sections using a sharp, clean knife or trowel. Ensure that each division has a healthy root system and a few shoots. Any dried out areas with dead roots can be tossed in the compost.
- Prepare your pot(s) or new planting site(s) with well-draining soil and compost and work it in. Water thoroughly, and then plant divisions.
- Keep soil consistently moist as the newly-planted divisions establish strong root systems in their new home. Provide regular waterings, especially during dry spells.
Problems and Pests
Melinis grasses are highly resilient and resistant to most pests and diseases. For information about commonly encountered pests and diseases in the landscape, consult the following pages:
Gallery
Melinis grasses are commonly grown in cut flower gardens for their striking plumes.
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Natal Grass bridges the gap between Muhlenbergia and Impatiens in this border.
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These grasses create movement along pathways.
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Videos
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 440, Melinis nerviglumis
