Miscanthus sinensis 'Lady In Red'

Common name: Chinese silver grass

Description: A graceful, clump-forming ornamental grass with arching, strap-like leaves that emerge tinged purple in spring before turning green for summer, then flushing a vivid red as autumn approaches. From late summer, elegant silvery-cream flower plumes rise above the foliage, adding movement and softness to a sunny border right through into winter.

Other benefits: long season of interest, dramatic autumn colour, good for cutting and dried arrangements, drought tolerant once established

Wildlife attraction: birds and insects shelter in the foliage over winter

Height & spread (approx.) at 10 years: 1.2m x 1m

Position: full sun

Soil pH: acid, neutral or alkaline; tolerant of most soils

Moisture: moist but well-drained

Winter hardiness: fully hardy to below -20°C