Spodiopogon sibiricus

Spodiopogon sibiricus, or Frost grass, is an perennial ornamental grass that grows best in moist, well-drained, fertile soil in full sun or light shade. It will not do well in hot, dry sites and the colorful grass, which turns from green to red and burgundy in the fall, will be dull if it does not receive enough light. Frost grass has a bamboo-like quality and the foliage can create bold patterns with purplish or wine tints late in the season. This is a clumping grass and, unlike some ornamental grasses, is not considered invasive.

Frost grass grows best in full sun to light shade with a moist, well-drained soil. It does poorly in hot, dry situations and too much shade produces floppy growth. This is a warm season grass, so its most active growth occurs in summer. It remains upright in winter and can act as winter interest. Because it remains attractive through winter, do not cut it back until early spring before new growth begins. At that time, it can be cut down to the ground.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:

No serious pests or disease. This plant cannot tolerate drought. Frost grass does poorly in hot climates and needs to be sited where it will get daytime relief from a hot sun.