Japanese Blood Grass

Japanese Blood Grass

Imperata cylindrica ‘Red Baron’ (Japanese Blood Grass) is a highly ornamental clump-forming ornamental grass prized for its dramatic red-tipped foliage. Fresh green leaves emerge in spring and gradually develop rich crimson colouring from the tips downward, creating a glowing, flame-like effect in the garden.

This compact grass forms neat upright clumps, making it ideal for borders, feature plantings, and containers. The red colouring intensifies best in full sun, where plants produce their most vibrant display.

‘Red Baron’ is easy to grow and relatively low maintenance once established. It prefers well-drained soil and moderate watering, especially during hot Highveld summers. Unlike the invasive green form of Imperata cylindrica, the ‘Red Baron’ cultivar is well-behaved in garden settings.

A superb choice for adding seasonal colour contrast and vertical interest to both modern and naturalistic landscapes.

Plant Details

• Scientific Name: Imperata cylindrica ‘Red Baron’
  
• Common Name: Japanese Blood Grass, Kunai Grass, Cogon Grass
  
• Origin: Cultivar of a species native to Africa and Asia
  
• Flower Colour: Rarely flowers in cultivation
  
• Flowering Time: Insignificant
  
• Height: ±30–50 cm
  
• Spread: ±30–40 cm
  
• Growth Habit: Deciduous to semi-evergreen, clump-forming grass

Care & Planting Tips

• Planting Position: Full sun for best red colour; light semi-shade tolerated
  
• Water Requirements: Medium; keep moderately moist but well-drained
  
• Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil
  
• Hardiness: Hardy; tolerates light frost but may brown in heavy frost
  
• Uses: Borders, containers, feature plantings, colour contrast, mass planting

Available Sizes:

• 2L