This grass dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.

• Position: full sun
• Soil: any well-drained soil
• Rate of growth: fast-growing
• Flowering period: May to August
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  A tufted semi-evergreen grass with purplish-tinted, green leaves. In summer locket-shaped, green-purple flowers, which fade to buff, hang from wiry branches. Lovely in wildflower meadows, their flowers are excellent for drying.
  
  
• Garden care: Collect the seed before it disperses to use the following year. Dig out dead plants in early spring. Cut back tatty-looking foliage in spring.