I grow this, Terry, and it's survived since 2004. I started it from seed (Gardens North), the second and third years they were was quite nice, and last year it seemed to struggle a bit more than the previous year but still plumed. Mine in part shade are nicer than the ones in full sun. They are not in a protected area and are only protected by whatever snow that falls. They plume in late August to early September for me. Mine bloom and stay greenish - I've never noticed a bronze shading at all. Otherwise, completely well behaved. They don't travel out of bounds and the seedheads don't have time to mature and seed out.

Here's a pic of mine from a couple years ago.

Pudge, how is the zone-pushing on ornamental grasses? Most of them say zone 5. I'd like to try some, but i think i'm too late for seeds this year. I've never seen any for sale in our local nurseries, either.

Marcia, I'm finding many are hardier than stated. I suspect that our lack of wet late fall/winter conditions and fairly consistent good snow cover help to pull them thru.

So a zone 5 one shouldn't be a problem? I'm not sure what i want, but i like the looks of plumy ones, silver or pink. Something to look forward to!