Schizachyrium scoparium Chameleon

Schizachyrium scoparium 'Chameleon' is a recently bred grass, still relatively uncommon. This variety has variegated leaves of pure white, turning purple-pink by the end of summer. Its compact habit and resistance to dry soils and to the sun, make it an ideal choice for dry beds and patios. However, avoid heavy and overly rich soils.

Schizachyrium scoparium, also known as Little Blue stem, is a grass native to the Great Plains of North America, a highly competitive environment where many species of Poaceae (the scientific name for the grass family) coexist. It is still sometimes found under the name Andropogon scoparius.

'Chameleon' is a beautiful variety from French nurseryman Thierry Delabroye. It has beautiful glaucous green leaves, variegated with pure white. They bring a refreshing touch to sunny borders. As soon as the temperatures start to drop, at the end of summer, the leaves gradually take on magnificent pink and then purple shades. This phenomenon is more pronounced if the nights are cool and the days are warm. The plant flowers between September and November, producing slender upright spikes in beige, then brown-purple. The foliage and flowers create a changing and undulating tableau for several weeks. This compact plant will not exceed 60cm (24in) in height when flowering, 40cm (16in) with foliage, with a diameter of about 35cm (14in) after 2 years.

Due to its origins, Schizachyrium 'Chameleon' can endure summer droughts, and cold and poor soil. Like many dry soil grasses, it will die back quickly (or at best, only live for a few years) if you plant it in soil that is too rich or too heavy. Pay close attention to soil drainage when planting - you can add gravel when planting, and place the rootball on a small mound to raise it.

It will work wonders in the foreground of sunny dry beds, rock gardens, or in pots, in the company of other grasses that like similar conditions such as Panicum virgatum 'Prairie Sky', Festuca amethystina, or the unpronounceable Helictotrichon sempervirens. Perennials such as Gillenia trifoliata, with its sumptuous autumn colours, Geranium 'Azure Rush', and Nepeta 'Walker's Low', with their coarser foliage, will complete these not-to-be-missed scenes.