Melinis nerviglumis 'Savannah'

A captivating textural addition to sunny gardens, containers and vases and a chameleon whose color evolves over a long season, Ornamental Grass Melinis nerviglumis 'Savannah' is a staff favorite. With a meadow-like vibe each 1' tall clump of slender blue-green blades is crowned in midsummer by rich mauve inflorescences that open to shimmering pink flower heads that sway in the breeze. The feathery plumes of this Savannah Ruby Grass finally turn a soft creamy color just as the foliage becomes suffused with reddish purple for fall. Cut plumes for fresh and dried bouquets. Plants perform best in drier conditions and are tolerant of heat and drought.

Melinis is a small genus of about 20 species of mostly perennial, warm-season, clumping Grasses native to dry open habitats in Africa and temperate parts of Asia. Melinis thrives in full sun and requires well-drained soil, though it can tolerate a range of soil conditions, including poor fertility, making it versatile for various landscape settings. The genus is especially prized for its striking ornamental features, including feathery panicles of pink flowers that bloom in summer and continue to add interest well into fall, gradually fading to a lovely buff color. Some species can be invasive in warm climates, but there are cultivated perennial varieties that, when grown as annuals in cool-climate gardens, cannot proliferate by seed.

For more information on Melinis, click Growing Guide

HOW PLANTS ARE SHIPPED

The size of the plants we ship has been selected to reduce the shock of transplanting. For some, this means a large, bareroot crown. Others cannot travel bareroot or transplant best if grown in containers. We ship these perennials and annuals in 1 pint pots, except as noted. We must point out that many perennials will not bloom the first year after planting, but will the following year, amply rewarding your patience. We ship bulbs as dormant, bare bulbs, sometimes with some wood shavings or moss. Shrubs, Roses, vines, and other woody plants may be shipped bareroot or in pots. The size of the pot is noted in the quick facts for each item.

WHEN WE SHIP

We ship our bulbs and plants at the right time for planting in your area, except as noted, with orders dispatched on a first-come, first-served basis by climate zone. We also ship a wide range of containers and planters, tools, supplies, fertilizers, garden wear, garden decor items, as well as indoor decorations like wreaths and dried bouquets when available. Estimated dates for shipping are indicated in the green Shipping Details box for each item. Please supply a street address for delivery. Kindly contact us with two weeks notice, if you'll be away at the expected time of delivery.

OUR GUARANTEE

We guarantee to ship plants that are in prime condition for growing. If your order is damaged or fails to meet your expectations, we will cheerfully replace or refund it. Please contact our Customer Service Department at 1-800-503-9624 or email us at [email protected]. Please include your order number or customer number when contacting us.