Festuca amethystina (6 × 9Cm pots)

A colourful ornamental grass. Position: full sun Soil: moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil Rate of growth: average Flowering period: June to July Hardiness: fully hardy A low-growing tufted decorative grass, which looks superb planted in bold drifts in a gravel garden ...A colourful ornamental grass. Position: full sun Soil: moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil Rate of growth: average Flowering period: June to July Hardiness: fully hardy A low-growing tufted decorative grass, which looks superb planted in bold drifts in a gravel garden or potted into a container.

The narrow blue-green to grey-blue foliage adds interest all year round and, purple-flushed summer flower spikes, turning buff as they age make a wonderful combination. Festuca amethystina prefers a sunny, well-drained spot over the winter where its low-maintenance architectural form can be appreciated. Garden care: Ensure good drainage around the plant or within a pot to ensure the effects of wet winter conditions are reduced.

Comb through the plant with your fingers in winter to remove dead foliage. Container-grown specimens should be watered well when they are establishing. Relatively short-lived in a single clump (3-5 years), plants need replacing or dividing every few years to restore vigour and form.