Blue fescue

The truest blue of the dwarf grasses and totally drought-proof once established, this is a gem for a rock garden. The stiff thread-like blue foliage and steel blue flower-heads form dense rather upright tussocks, which look good grown for foliage interest amongst a wide variety of rock plants. They are also good subjects for containers, and look brilliant in terracotta pots. Alternatively grow several plants 20cm (8in) or more apart as ground cover in front of shrubs in a well-drained border. Plants develop their most intense coloration when kept dry in summer.