Melinis nerviglumis
Ruby Grass
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'
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
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.