Melinis nerviglumis Karoo Queen

Melinis nerviglumis 'Karoo Queen' is a beautiful selection of a tender grass also known as Melinis rhynchelytrum. Its feathery and shiny flower spikes that range from pink to dark red are highly sought after in floral art. This plant grows in a small, dense clump of green foliage with a bluish tint, much like a blue fescue. Its flowering, enjoyed from July to October, is a delight. A graceful and colourful little 'grass' that will bring a lot of charm to seasonal flower beds. Outside of our mildest regions, it is easily grown as an annual or in pots to overwinter indoors and protect from frost.  

Melinis nerviglumis belongs to the Poaceae family. It is native to dry regions of Africa, where it thrives in well-drained soil within savannahs. While not frost-resistant (tolerating temperatures down to -5°C at most), this species is perfectly adapted to poor soils and seasonal water scarcity. The vegetation persists during mild winters but dries up elsewhere. 

Melinis nerviglumis 'Karoo Queen' is a non-invasive grass. The plant forms a tight clump of upright, thread-like and pointed leaves that can reach 35-40cm in length. It will occupy about 35-40cm in all directions. The colour of the leaves is a green with a bluish tint, sometimes turning reddish-purple towards the end of the season due to cold weather. Flowering begins in July or mid-August, depending on the sowing date. Thin floral stems emerge from the foliage, reaching a height of 60cm, slightly arching and bearing very thin inflorescences that can be more or less upright or trailing, remaining decorative on the plant for a long time. Their colour ranges from various shades of pink to dark red when fully ripe. This flowering captures the autumn sun in a magnificent way. After wind pollination, seeds form, which are sought after by certain birds. 

Melinis nerviglumis 'Karoo Queen' is a graceful plant for seasonal flower beds and terrace displays, similar to the well-known Pennisetum x advena Rubrum. In a summer flower bed, it pairs perfectly with Ammi visnaga 'The Giant' and tall, undemanding asters (Aster turbinellus, Aster laevis) for example. Also consider planting it among tall sedums (Sedum 'Matrona', 'Septemberglut') and cosmos to create a lovely late-season scene.  This Melinis also makes a beautiful companion for repeat-flowering roses, catmints, and lavenders.