Imperata cylindrical, Red Baron - also known as Japanese Blood Grass - is a slow-spreading, clump-forming grass with spiky mid-green leaves which turn blood-red from the tips downwards. This elegant grass is perfect for providing a strong contrast to golden, blue or black foliaged grasses in the border or in a container, and will look good with the minimum of maintenance. It looks even better in summer when it bursts into life with fluffy silvery-white flower spikes.

This grass does well in any fertile well-drained soil if positioned in full sun or light shade, and can reach an eventual height of about 40cm (18 inches). However, be aware that while this grass will make a beautiful addition to your garden, it is seen as an unwelcome invader in some parts of the world. If you do not want it to spread, plant it inside a large pot sunk well into the ground.

Price: £6.95 for a 2 litre pot.

Available from: Crocus, PO Box 76, Rotherham S63 9XY or call (0870) 000 1057.

Dahlias also make great autumn subjects. See Dahlia (Dahlia 'Bishop of Llandaff') to find out more.