A gorgeous perennial grass with attractive, dense clump forming, glaucus blue, broad, spiky foliage. Looks stunning in borders, as well as making a spectacular container plant for a sunny patio.

In the second year tall, blue changing to buff, flower spikes appear.

Height 60cm (24in) with a 150cm (60in) flower spike.

Sowing time: 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 at 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.

Straggly foliage can be cut back the following spring to encourage new coloured grass each year.