Ruby Grass
Melinus nerviglumis 'Ruby Grass'
Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Grass
Height
20 inches
Width
18 inches
Light
Full Sun
Zones
8, 9
Water
Low to moderate
Humidity
Adaptable
Lifespan
Tender perennial
Native To
Africa
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
The Story
Plant Bio
A tender perennial ornamental grass, typically grown as an annual, noted for its fine-textured, blue-green foliage and airy, ruby-pink flower panicles that appear in summer and last into fall. Distinguished by its fluffy, ruby-pink flower panicles that create a shimmering, hazy effect. The flower heads age to a silvery-white, extending the season of interest. The foliage is a distinct blue-green.
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into well-draining soil in early spring.
- Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity and promote rooting.
- Water consistently to keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilize lightly with a balanced fertilizer during active growth.
- Divide clumps every 2-3 years in early spring for vigorous growth.
- Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Pro Tip
Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot and promote healthy growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
- Prune dead or damaged leaves to encourage new growth
- Fertilize in spring with a balanced fertilizer
- Mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Do not disturb roots during the growing season
- Refrain from fertilizing in late fall
- Avoid planting in overly dense or shaded areas
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Harvest | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Ruby Grass questions
What zones can Ruby Grass grow in?
Ruby Grass is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Ruby Grass deer resistant?
Yes — Ruby Grass is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Ruby Grass bloom?
Ruby Grass typically blooms in summer to fall through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Ruby Grass need full sun?
Ruby Grass does best in full sun (6+ hours).
Is Ruby Grass drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Ruby Grass handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
Keep exploring
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Grow Ruby Grass with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
