Melinus nerviglumis or Rhynchelytrum nerviglume
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Common NameRuby Grass
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CA NativeNon-native
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Plant TypeGrass or grass-like plant
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Size8"- 12" x 8"- 12"
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Flower ColorN / A
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Bloom Time
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Summer
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LeavesN / A
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EvergreenEvergreen
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Deer ResistantRarely Damaged
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Wildlife ValueN / A
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Growth RateModerate
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HardinessSemi-hardy
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Adverse Growth FactorsNone
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Special Features
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Fall Color
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Low Maintenance
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Showy Flowers
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Water Use
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Low
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Moderate
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Soil pH6.5-7.5 (neutral)
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Exposure
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Full Sun
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Soil TypeNot Particular
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DrainageGood Drainage
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Description and Cultural Plant Tips
This semi-evergreen South African is a small beauty. Lovely blue-green foliage form tight clumps of foliage with startlingly ruby-pink blooms rising above from mid-May until the cold of autumn, when leaves turn purple-red. Blooms rise vertically above foliage 12" and turn to fluffy white, after ruby iridescence fades. Evergreen in milder climates but it is not cold hardy (probably dying at 15 degrees), attractive in winter even if brown. Best in full sun with moderate water but can tolerate considerable dryness when established.
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Master Gardener Comments
Excellent showy flowery accent plant either in groups or alone. Good in pots and in perennial garden. Flowers are gorgeous backlit by either sun or lighting and are particularly lovely in both dried and fresh cut flower arrangements. Best to buy plugs or small plants or propagate by seed – does not divide well.
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VarietalsN / A