The Japanese Blood Grass, Unique Clump Forming Grass

About The Japanese Blood Grass

Finding the Japanese Blood Grass (Imperata Cylindrica 'Red Baron') was a dream come true. I had been looking for a colorful ornamental grass for my half wine barrel containers. This unique clump forming grass starts off a light green and as the the plant ages throughout the season the tips turn to a bright red. Or in my case, the red begins at the base of the plant. Very stunning when planted with the deep purple new wave Petunias.

Did you know that the roofs of the traditional homes in Papua New Guinea are thatched with this ornamental grass? I, on the other hand, just wanted a grass that would add height to my containers and give color as the seasons change.

Not really known for it's plumes (this grass doesn't always flower), which are a gray/white, but rather for it's long pointed leaves. This is a rhizomatous grass and can be invasive. If chosen for a flowerbed, better to first plant in containers and then put into the ground.

How To Grow the Japanese Blood Grass

This ornamental grass is suited for full sun to part sun locations. Mine, which are planted in containers face the west sun for most of the day.

Some say that the Japanese Blood Grass is an annual for my zone 3, however I have been told that it can survive our cold winters. Undaunted, I am not going to cut this grass back for the winter, but rather leave it for some winter appeal in my containers. For the winter, make sure that the soil is well drained and not water logged.

Even though it is heat and drought tolerant, it does not like to dry out completely. It does prefer a normal to moist soil.

Great for planting on slopes, this low maintenance grass also works well in windy locations of the garden or in rock gardens.

Height wise, the Blood Grass only reaches 1 ft. high and spreads 1 ft. wide. That being said, it can be invasive, so keep an eye on it if you have it planted in the ground.

Great companion planting: the annual Marigolds, Celosias, Calendulas, Angelonia, Alyssum or the Ageratum Blue horizon.

If you are looking for a great trailing (spiller) companion plant, try planting the Bacopa Giant Snowflake.

Check out my Site Index Page for a listing of additional annuals and perennials to plant in your flower garden design. If your hydrangeas are not blooming,

Japanese Blood Grass Features

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