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Description
Melinis Nerviglumis, commonly known as Ruby Grass or Natal Red Top, is a warm-season perennial grass native to South Africa. It is an ornamental grass that is popularly grown for its showy, reddish-pink inflorescences that bloom from summer to fall. It produces leafy stems that grow up to 2-3 feet tall, creating a dense clump of foliage. The grass gets its name from the red or pink flower spikes that resemble rubies.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Poales |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Genus | Melinis |
Appearance
The foliage of Melinis Nerviglumis is light green and grows up to 2-3 feet tall. The leaves are narrow, flat, and can be up to a foot long. The flower spikes are the most prominent feature of this grass and grow up to 6 inches long. They are initially green but gradually turn reddish-pink, giving the grass its characteristic color. The inflorescences persist well into winter, providing visual interest to the landscape.
Care Guide
Water: Ruby Grass is drought-tolerant and can survive on little water once established. However, it prefers regular watering during the growing season.
Fertilization: Fertilize the grass with a balanced fertilizer in spring or early summer. Avoid fertilizing late in the season as this may promote new growth that could be damaged by frost.
Soil: Melinis Nerviglumis prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy and clay soils.
Sunlight: This grass thrives in full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade but may produce fewer flowers in shaded areas.
Hardiness Zones: Melinis Nerviglumis is hardy in USDA zones 8-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Melinis Nerviglumis is generally pest and disease-free. However, it may occasionally be affected by rust or leaf spot diseases. These can be treated with fungicides if the problem persists.
Habitat
Melinis Nerviglumis is native to South Africa but has been widely introduced elsewhere, including the United States. It grows in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, savannas, and open woodlands.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Melinis Nerviglumis invasive?
A: No, it is not considered invasive in most areas where it is grown. However, it can self-seed and spread in favorable conditions.
Q: Can Ruby Grass grow in containers?
A: Yes, it can be grown in containers as long as the pot is large enough to accommodate the root system.
Q: How often should I prune Melinis Nerviglumis?
A: You should prune the grass in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Cut back the stems to within a few inches of the ground.
Q: Can I propagate Ruby Grass from seed?
A: Yes, you can propagate the grass from seed. Sow the seeds in spring or early summer, and keep the soil moist until the seedlings emerge.
Related Plants
- Melinis repens (Natal grass)
- Melinis minutiflora (Molasses grass)
- Melinis repens (Natal red top)
References
- “Melinis nerviglumis.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed September 9, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=277140.
- “Ruby Grass.” University of Florida IFAS Extension. Accessed September 9, 2021. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/EP580.
- “Melinis nerviglumis.” University of California Agriculture & Natural Resources. Accessed September 9, 2021. https://ucanr.edu/sites/UrbanHort/Ornamental_Grasses/Melinis_nerviglumis_-_Ruby_Grass/.
