Sideoats Grama

An unusual and highly decorative grass that offers a distinct silhouette compared to more common garden species. It forms a dense clump of blue-green foliage that turns an attractive hue of straw-gold and sometimes orange in the autumn. It is most famous for its unique flowering habit; it produces tall, slender arching stems where the small oat-like seeds hang neatly along just one side of the stalk. These flowers emerge with tiny, bright red-purple anthers that are quite striking upon close inspection. Though native to North America, it performs well in the UK provided it is situated in a very sunny spot with excellent drainage. It is particularly effective in prairie-style planting schemes or gravel gardens. It is a warm-season grass, so it begins its growth later in the spring than native species. It is very drought-tolerant and requires minimal attention once the roots have deeply established, needing only a hard prune in late winter.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Well-drained, sandy or light loam.

Hardiness: H5 — down to −15°C.

Flowering: Jul, Aug, Sep.