George's Plant Pick of the Week: Indian grass 'Sioux Blue': George Weigel

Indian grass 'Sioux Blue' (Bluestone Perennials)

* Common name: Indian grass 'Sioux Blue'

* Botanical name: Sorghastrum nutans 'Sioux Blue'

* What it is: A U.S. native ornamental grass with blue-tinted blades and slender, tan plumes in late summer. Foliage turns yellow in fall.

* Size: 3 to 4 feet tall (plus another foot, including the plumes), 3 feet across.

* Where to use: The natural habitat of indian grass is prairies and sunny meadows, so any hot, sunny, open area in the landscape suits (including sunny banks with their notoriously poor soil). 'Sioux Blue's' blue foliage makes it attractive in a mixed garden, too, along with pink, blue, purple and white perennials. Or plant a line of them along a sunny border or as a loose hedge. Full sun locations are best.

* Care: Cut to a stub in early March (or any time over winter). Once established, no water or fertilizer needed. If clumps spread where you don't want them, dig up and divide in early spring... fist-sized pieces transplant easily.

* Great partner: Native perennials, such as purple coneflowers, liatris and Stoke's aster, combine to make a sun-loving native garden. Mums, sedums, goldenrods and asters are good fall partners when the grass foliage turns yellow.