Ornatec InternationalSpecies reference sheet ยท ornatecinternational.com
Melinis nerviglumis
Ruby Grass
The plumes of Melinis nerviglumis open a rich ruby pink and age slowly to a silvery buff, held above a compact tuft of fine blue-green blades that themselves flush purple in strong light. The whole plant rarely exceeds 0.6 metres, so it works at the front of a scheme rather than as a backdrop.
It is an African grassland species and it wants exactly what that implies: full sun, sharp drainage and very little water. On irrigated, heavy ground it is short-lived and disappointing.
Specifications
- Height0.4 to 0.6 metres in flower
- Width0.3 to 0.5 metres
- Native toSouthern and tropical Africa
- FoliageFine, narrow blue-green blades in a dense tuft, often flushing purple; evergreen in warm climates
- Growth rateFast
Conditions
- SoilRequires sharply drained sandy or gravelly soils; tolerates poor ground
- LightFull sun
- WaterLow; drought-tolerant once established and resents wet feet
- ClimateThrives in warm, dry, subtropical and semi-arid regions
Additional Features
- FlowersFluffy ruby-pink plumes from summer into autumn, ageing to silvery buff
- UsesOrnamental grass massing, gravel and xeriscape beds, median planting and low bed fronts
- SpacingPlant 0.3 to 0.4 metres apart for a continuous drift
- Low MaintenanceCut back annually to refresh the tuft; replace clumps every three to four years
- Pest ResistanceGenerally untroubled where drainage is free
- Drought TolerancePerforms well on genuinely low irrigation and dislikes overwatering
- Seasonal AppealA long plume season followed by a silvery winter effect
Ruby Grass brings fine texture and a long pink plume season to hot, dry, low-water schemes.
Availability by project review. Sizes, quantities, origin and export readiness are confirmed after your plant schedule is reviewed against destination, timing and quarantine requirements. MEWA certified for supply into Saudi Arabia; Australian Export Registered Establishment.
Enquiries: sales@ornatecinternational.com
310 Donkin Rd, Utchee Creek QLD 4871, Australia
Prepared 09 September 2026