IMPERATA CYLINDRICA RUBRA / JAPANESE BLOOD GRASS

IMPERATA CYLINDRICA RUBRA / JAPANESE BLOOD GRASS

Striking Red Foliage for Bold Garden Statements

Imperata cylindrica 'Rubra', commonly known as Japanese Blood Grass, is an ornamental grass renowned for its vibrant red-tipped foliage that intensifies as the summer progresses. This eye-catching grass adds dramatic color and texture to garden landscapes, especially in late summer and fall when the red hues are most pronounced. Its upright growth habit and unique coloration make it an excellent choice for adding contrast and visual interest to borders, mass plantings, or containers.

Why Choose Japanese Blood Grass?

• Vibrant Red Foliage: The grass begins with green leaves that gradually turn a striking red by late summer, making it one of the most visually dynamic ornamental grasses.
• Seasonal Color: The intensity of the red color increases throughout the growing season, providing changing interest in your garden.
• Upright Form: Its vertical growth habit creates a neat, structured look in the garden, making it perfect for borders or as a statement plant.
• Low Maintenance: Japanese Blood Grass is easy to grow and requires little attention once established.

Key Features:

• Red-Striped Foliage: The grass starts with green blades, but by late summer, the tops of the leaves turn a rich crimson red, creating a dramatic contrast with surrounding plants.
• Upright, Compact Growth: This grass grows upright, reaching 2–3 feet tall, with a neat, clumping habit.
• Attractive Seed Heads: In late summer, it produces feathery seed heads that complement its red foliage and add texture to the garden.
• Hardy & Resilient: Thrives in a wide range of soils and climates, adaptable to both wet and dry conditions.

Specifications:

• Plant Size: 24–36 inches tall, 18–24 inches wide.
• Hardiness: USDA Zones 5–9.
• Sunlight: Prefers full sun to partial shade.
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained soil, tolerant of various soil types, and drought-tolerant once established.

Ideal Uses:

• Border Plantings & Focal Points: The striking red foliage adds bold color and texture to garden borders, making it an excellent focal point in garden designs.
• Mass Plantings: Its dramatic coloration makes it a fantastic plant for mass plantings, where the red tips create a unified, impactful display.
• Fall Interest: Japanese Blood Grass is particularly stunning in the fall when its red hues are at their peak, making it a great plant for seasonal interest.
• Containers & Pots: Adds a vertical, dramatic element to container gardens or pots, providing year-round interest.

Imperata cylindrica 'Rubra', or Japanese Blood Grass, is a beautiful, dynamic addition to any garden. Its vibrant red foliage provides seasonal interest, while its upright form and ease of care make it a practical choice for a variety of landscaping styles. Whether used as a specimen plant or in mass plantings, this grass is sure to make a statement.