Beginning in summer, intensifying in autumn, and remaining most of winter, the bamboo-like foliage of this fine ornamental grass acquires red and purple flushes, adding an ever-changing component to its display. Coupled with the airy blooms (also maturing from burgundy to creamy tan) and fuss-free growth, this showy variegation makes for a lovely year-round accent in any moist to wet soil, including bog gardens and waterside plantings.
Spodiopogon sibiricus bears very slender, stiff foliage with long, narrow leaflets held out horizontally along the stem, resembling bamboo. The spring and early summer is light green, but later in the season the variegation begins. Summer color is burgundy; by autumn, at least half of the green has turned bright red; and in winter, the red becomes shades of maroon and finally tan.
The blooms follow a similar color change. Borne on very long, slim stems, they are airy and graceful, creating a starry effect in a large planting. They turn from burgundy to pink to tan, and are superb as cuts for fresh or dried arrangements but also make such good winter exclamation points in the garden that it's almost a shame to cut them. Birds feast upon their seeds during the lean winter months as well.
Known as Frost Grass or Graybeard Grass, S. sibiricus needs plenty of moisture to thrive, and should never be grown in soil that can dry out. Great for poorly drained garden spots, it also thrives in bog gardens and along creeks and ponds. It reaches 3 feet high (the flower plumes extending 18 inches above the foliage) and up to 2 feet wide. Even suitable for containers if the soil is kept consistently moist, it flourishes in full sun to part shade, with a bit of shade preferred in most regions. A superb addition to the garden! Zones 5-9.
