Spodiopogon sibiricus

Spodiopogon sibiricus is a hardy, perennial grass for moist, shady areas, prized for its light, bright flower spikes and autumn colours! It forms an erect clump with a round, compact silhouette. Its straight stems bear glaucous green, lanceolate, broad leaves arranged horizontally giving it a bamboo-like appearance. In midsummer, this variety produces silvery beige plume-like inflorescences that beautifully catch the light, turning reddish-brown when ripe. They harmonize with the autumn foliage, which turns orange and red then reddish-purple, especially in areas where the change of seasons is slower. It thrives in moist conditions and can withstand very cold winters, but it doesn't like extreme summer heat. It is particularly useful for providing structure at the back of perennial beds in natural or contemporary gardens. It adapts to all well-drained soils and all exposures but will be denser in bright light.

Spodiopogon sibiricus is a rhubarb-like rhizomatous grass belonging to the large poaceae family, native to Siberia, Mongolia, China, Korea, and even Japan, where it grows in mountain meadows. It can tolerate temperatures as low as -25°C. This perennial grass can reach a up to 1.50m (5ft) high when in flower (1m (3ft) for the foliage) and 50cm (20in) wide. Its shape is like a rounded and sturdy bamboo. Slender stems (2 to 4mm (0in) wide) emerge from the base and bear lanceolate, pointed leaves 30cm (12in) long and 1cm (0in) wide and narrow at the base, similar to bamboo leaves. It flowers from July to September, in the form of 15cm (6in) long panicles with bearded spikelets that remain on the plant for a long time. The autumn colour of the foliage can vary depending on the nature and moisture of the soil, and the stems take on a wine-coloured hue. Spodiopogon sibiricus is a very long-lived plant.

Spodiopogon sibiricus is very adaptable and underused in our gardens. It thrives in rocky, moist to wet, even clayey soils. However, to bring out its best it needs well-drained soil and a bright exposure. It is versatile and not too bulky and adapts well to many situations in the garden. This colourful, non-suckering grass is highly valued in slightly wild beds to create screens or planted individually. It can be paired with tall wild asters, like Aster laevis, Aster turbinellus, Aster 'Ashvi', or Monte Casino, as well as Helianthus salicifolius or maximiliani, and Buenos Aires verbena or hastate. It adapts to all climates and soils. It is particularly well-suited to coastal areas as it tolerates sea spray. You could use it as a backdrop for wetland compositions, combining it with large moisture-loving perennials like hostas, filipendulas, and lysimachias.