Indian Grass 'Indian Steel'

'Indian Steel' is a beautiful and architectural warm-season grass that brings a different texture and colour to the late summer garden. It forms an upright clump of stiff, metallic blue-grey foliage that remains attractive throughout the season. In late summer and early autumn, it sends up tall, vertical stems topped with narrow, plume-like panicles of rich coppery-brown flowers. These flowers are highlighted by tiny, bright yellow anthers, giving them a subtle sparkle in the sun. As the seeds ripen, the plumes turn a warm tan colour. Native to the North American prairies, it is very hardy and thrives in the UK in a sunny position with well-drained soil. It is particularly effective when planted in small groups in a gravel garden or a mixed border where its verticality can be used to contrast with more mounded plants. In autumn, the foliage often turns a pleasant golden-yellow. It should be cut back to the ground in late winter to make way for new growth.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Well-drained loam or sandy soil.

Hardiness: H6 — down to −20°C.

Flowering: Aug, Sep, Oct.