The rich reddish-bronze, fine leaved foliage, makes this one of the most ornamental coloured grasses. Stunning planted in mixed borders or alone in containers, adding colour and texture to your summer and autumn displays

Sow December to April or June to July. Sow seed on the surface of a good free draining, damp seed compost and place at a temperature of 20C (69F). Lightly cover the seed with vermiculite. Place in a propagator or seal container inside a polythene bag until after germination which usually takes 14-21 days. Do not exclude light as this helps germination.

Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle into trays or 7.5cm (3in) pots. Gradually acclimatise plants to cooler conditions for a few weeks before planting out after all risk of frost, 30-45cm (12-18in) apart. Prefers a light, well drained soil in full sun.

Cut back foliage the following spring to encourage new coloured grass each year.