James H. Schutte
Family
Poaceae
Botanical Name
Melinis nerviglumis 'Pink Crystals'
Plant Common Name
Pink Crystals Ruby Grass, Ruby Grass, Zizka
General Description
The rose-hued grassy plumes of ‘Pink Crystals’ make this tough ruby grass extra pretty in summer. Ruby grass is a cold-tender evergreen perennial is native to Madagascar and the grasslands of sub-Saharan Africa. It is quite tolerant of heat and drought and well-suited to western and southwestern landscapes.
In summer ‘Pink Crystals’ produces shiny, deep dusty rose plumes that slowly fade to pink and then finally to white as they age. The attractive seedheads gently weep above neat tufted clumps of slender pale blue-green blades that curl gracefully. Small songbirds will eat and spread the seeds.
Ruby grass is best situated in a full sun with sandy to average well-draining soil. This grass is easy to care for and is exceptionally drought tolerant once established.
It is a wonderful low maintenance plant for edging and looks great planted in large swathes. In cold climates, plants can be dug up, potted and brought indoors to overwinter, though many in temperate regions choose to plant ruby grass as a tender bedding annual instead. Ruby grass's inflorescences can be used in floral arrangements, both fresh and dried.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 8
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USDA Hardiness Zone
8 - 11
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Sunset Zone
8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Grass
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Height
18"-24" / 45.7cm - 61.0cm (20)
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Width
12"-24" / 30.5cm - 61.0cm (18)
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Bloom Time
Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer
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Native To
Africa, Middle Africa, Southern Africa, Madagascar
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Pink, Rose
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Fruit Color
White, Light Pink, Tan
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Blue Green, Gray Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Blue Green, Gray Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Purple, Blue Green, Gray Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Purple, Gray Green, Burgundy
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
Yes
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Fine
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Dried Flower / Everlasting, Bedding Plant, Container, Cutflower, Edging, Groundcover, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall, Tropical
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Attracts
Birds
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Self-Sowing
Yes
