Siberian Melic 'Atropurpurea'

This elegant, clump-forming deciduous grass is a must-have for the early summer border. It produces upright to slightly arching stems that bear striking, one-sided racemes of deep, dusky-purple to chocolate-coloured spikelets. The flowers have a slightly papery texture and a rich, dark hue that is rare among grasses, making them a fantastic contrast to the bright greens of spring foliage. The leaves themselves are relatively broad and bright green, forming a neat base. It is a woodland edge species, meaning it is very happy in partial shade but will also flourish in sun if the soil doesn't dry out completely. It is a relatively short-lived perennial but will often self-seed gently in the garden, ensuring its continued presence. The flower spikes are excellent for cutting and bring a sophisticated, dark element to floral arrangements. It is fully hardy and easy to grow in most garden soils. It should be cut back after its first flush of flowers to encourage a possible second show.

Sun: Full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile loam.

Hardiness: H6 — down to −20°C.

Flowering: May, Jun, Jul.