Bowles Golden Grass Milium effusum 'Aureum'

Water

Golden Milium, commonly known as golden wood millet grass, should be watered deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Typically, this would equate to approximately 1 inch of water per week, either from rainfall or manual watering. During the active growing season in spring and summer, water about once a week, and adjust based on weather conditions—more often during dry spells and less during periods of rain. In the winter, reduce watering to match the plant's decreased growth and evaporation rates. It's best to water this plant at the soil level to avoid wetting the foliage, which can encourage disease.

Light

Golden Milium thrives in partial shade, where it receives dappled sunlight or light shade for most of the day. The ideal spot for golden wood millet grass would be under the canopy of open trees or situated to receive morning sunlight and afternoon shade. Avoid placing it in full sun, as the leaves may scorch, and likewise, deep shade may reduce the vibrancy of its golden color.

Temperature

Golden Milium prefers moderate temperatures and should be grown in regions where the temperature typically ranges between 50°F and 75°F. It can survive minimum temperatures down to around 20°F but may die back in colder climates and return in the spring. The plant is not suited to extreme heat and may struggle if temperatures consistently rise above 80°F.

Pruning

Golden Milium requires minimal pruning but can be cut back in late winter or early spring to allow for new growth. Generally, pruning golden wood millet grass is done to remove any dead or damaged foliage and to maintain a tidy appearance. Prune before the plant begins its active growth period, typically in late winter, to promote vigorous, healthy new shoots.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

For Milium effusum 'Aureum', commonly known as Golden Wood Millet, the best soil mix is well-draining yet moisture-retentive, rich in organic matter. A mixture of garden soil, peat or coco coir, and perlite or sand works well. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 5.5 to 7.0 for optimal growth.

Repotting

Golden Wood Millet does not typically require frequent repotting due to its moderate root system. It can be repotted every 2 to 3 years, or when the plant outgrows its current container, to refresh the soil and maintain healthy growth.

Humidity & Misting

Golden Wood Millet thrives in average to high humidity levels. Aim to maintain humidity around 40-60% for optimal plant health, mimicking the moist woodland conditions of its natural habitat.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light with moist soil.

• Outdoor

  Plant in partial shade with moist, fertile soil.

• Hardiness zone

  5-9 USDA

Life cycle

Milium effusum 'Aureum', commonly known as Golden Millet or Golden Wood Millet Grass, begins its life cycle as a seed, which upon germination in favourable conditions of moist soil and partial shade, sprouts into a young seedling. The seedling establishes itself, developing a network of roots and exhibiting rapid vegetative growth to form dense tufts of golden-yellow to chartreuse leaves. Through its vegetative stage, the plant undergoes tillering, where multiple shoots grow and give the grass its characteristic dense and lush appearance. As it matures, Milium effusum 'Aureum' reaches the reproductive stage in late spring to early summer, producing airy panicles of small, insignificant flowers that may pollinate through wind, resulting in seed production. After pollination and seed set, the plant enters a period of senescence with foliage fading to a pale straw color, particularly after the first frost in cooler regions. Finally, the plant completes its life cycle as the seeds disperse into the surrounding environment for germination in the next growing season, and the original plant may die back, especially in colder climates, or it may persist if the conditions are mild, showing growth again in the spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to early summer

• The most popular method of propagation for Milium effusum 'Aureum', commonly known as Bowles' golden grass, is by division. This is typically done in the spring, as new growth begins, or in the late summer or early autumn after the growing season. Gardeners can gently lift the clump of grass from the ground using a spade or fork, taking care not to damage the root system. The clump is then carefully separated into smaller sections, ensuring each new section has a healthy portion of roots attached. These new sections can be immediately replanted in the garden at the same depth they were previously growing, and should be watered well to help establish them. Division allows the plant to rejuvenate and can also help to control its spread within the garden.