Spodiopogon sibiricus
Frost Grass, Siberian
Graybeard, Silver Spike Grass
Frost Grass is an attractive clump-forming ornamental grass
from Far East Asia; China, Korea, Japan and Siberia. Growing on lower mountain
slopes, forest margins and roadsides it has the upright sculptural appearance
of bamboo.
6” to 8” leaves taper horizontally from shoots through
spring and early summer. The bushy appearance changes as light catching 12”
terminal panicles emerge in mid-summer. Foliage color changes to red or
burgundy in fall.
Frost grass can create large clumps 4’ high and 3-1/2’ wide,
plant as a fall specimen or in massive sweeping groups. The light green foliage creates a blending
background element. While the foliage remains dense to the ground and does not
require a facing element, I love a rock facing or surrounding scaled boulders
comparable to its native mountain slopes. Russian Cypress provides a valuable
native companion. Recommended spacing between plants is between 18”-40”, it is rather slow growing
and lives for more than a decade.
Well-drained, mesic soil is desired for good appearance, wet
soils should be avoided. Frost grass is not drought tolerant and should be
watered to root depth every few weeks. Full sun is optimal, the grass is
partially shade tolerant; in hot summer climates, more shade is recommended. It is not particular about pH. This grass is tolerant of
urban pollution and salts.
The panicles only look good through fall,
Frost grass is often cut back before winter sets. The dried panicles are great
for dried flower arrangements.
This grass is generally propagated
by division. The
cultivar “West Lake” was collected from China for its pinkish-red panicles.
Zone 3-8.
