Alphabetical Plant Listing

Imperata cylindrica 'Red Baron' (Japanese Blood Grass)

Japanese Blood Grass 'Red Baron', Imperata cylindrica 'Rubra', Cogon Grass 'Red Baron', Imperata cylindrica var. Koenigii


Striking and eye-catching with its brilliant crimson leaves, Imperata cylindrica 'Red Baron' (Japanese Blood Grass) is a very distinctive ornamental grass. It produces upright, bright green blades whose upper half turns cranberry-red in summer and deepens to burgundy until late fall before it goes dormant in winter. Narrow panicles of silvery-white spikelets appear occasionally in late summer, but the main charm of this grass is its brazen foliage. Valuable for its stunning appeal, this highly decorative grass is one of the most beautiful ornamental grasses for the garden, where it provides a lovely contrast with other plants.

  • Growing easily in a dense clump about 12-18 in. tall (30-45 cm) and across, this perennial grass spreads by shallow moving rhizomes. It enjoys full sun or part shade and thrives in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. The best foliage color is obtained in full sun. Drought tolerant, once established.
  • This is a graceful accent plant for beds, borders, and rock gardens, as an edging plant, or massed as a groundcover. Does well in containers too where it adds wonderful character and texture to your plant combinations.
  • Deer resistant, it requires very little care. Protect the roots with mulch in cool winter areas. Remove dead foliage and old flowering stems in spring.
  • Native to Korea, Japan, China, India, and tropical eastern Africa.
  • Originally thought to be sterile, Imperata cylindrica 'Red Baron' has been found to revert to an aggressive, green form, and even in its red form, to produce fertile seeds and new seedlings.
  • Find where this species is invasive in the United States.
  • Discover beautiful U.S. native plant alternatives.

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Requirements

Hardiness 5 – 9
Heat Zones 3 – 9
Climate Zones 2, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Ornamental Grasses
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Height 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm)
Spread 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm)
Spacing 12" – 18" (30cm – 45cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Deer, Drought
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Edging, Ground Covers, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Modern Garden, Prairie and Meadow

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Picture is courtesy of Botanik Foto

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.


Requirements

Hardiness 5 – 9
Heat Zones 3 – 9
Climate Zones 2, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Ornamental Grasses
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Height 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm)
Spread 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm)
Spacing 12" – 18" (30cm – 45cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Deer, Drought
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Edging, Ground Covers, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Modern Garden, Prairie and Meadow

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