The melinis nerviglumis “savannah”, also known as Ruby Grass, is an ornamental graminace that develops in a round tuft, with green-blue leaves.
Size: the melinis has an average height from 30cm to 60cm with foliage that can reach a width of about 25 cm. Some flowered stems rise up to a height of 90 cm.
flowering: in mid-summer the stems begin to appear flowers that initially appear red. Maturing its color goes fading towards pink and cream-silver. In mid-August shows all colors and some stems can reach a height of 90 cm. The plant can be cultivated as a perennial plant in the hottest areas, but in the coolest areas should be considered annual.
use: easily used in almost all environments garden, in large containers and in rocky soils. The fat ruby is resistant to drought, but thrives in wet and well drained soils. Can be placed by the full sun, in the partial shade. Can be cultivated under/near black walnut and is tolerant to pollution. Plant it at the beginning of the season ensures that it has time to produce its characteristic flowers.
The Ruby Grass is native to the southern regions is very resistant to drought. Most varieties of melinis nerviglumis listed on the market are synonymous between them and sometimes is still called with its previous botanical name: rhynchelytrum nerviglume.