Compact and dramatic. Position: full sun Soil: moderately fertile, well-drained soil Rate of growth: initially slow to establish but faster as it matures Flowering period: September and October Hardiness: fully hardy This is a star plant for any garden. It's compact, and doesn't take up too much space, but it's also dramatic. Narrow, silvery leaves have a white stripe down the centre, and masses of upright, feathery, reddish-brown plumes fade to silver in the autumn. When the flowers catch the evening sun, the plant appears to be sitting under a silvery halo. Garden care: Cut back in late winter before the new foliage appears.