Imperata cylindrica Red Baron ='Rubra'

Common name: Japanese blood grass

Description: Imperata cylindrica 'Red Baron' is one of the most visually dramatic of all ornamental grasses, producing upright, strap-like blades that emerge green at the base and intensify through summer to a vivid, luminous blood-red towards the tips — a colour that becomes truly spectacular in autumn when backlit by low sunshine. It spreads slowly by rhizome to form an attractive, refined clump that provides outstanding colour contrast in borders, gravel gardens, and containers throughout the growing season, dying back in winter and re-emerging with fresh growth in spring.

Other benefits: spectacular season-long foliage colour, stunning when backlit, effective contrast in mixed plantings, good in containers

Height & spread (approx.) at 10 years: 0.5m x 0.4m

Position: full sun to partial shade; best red colouring achieved in a sunny position; borders and containers

Soil pH: neutral to slightly acid; moist, well-drained, fertile soil preferred

Moisture: moderate to moist; water regularly in dry spells; mulch to retain soil moisture; avoid very dry conditions

Winter hardiness: hardy to approximately -15°C; dies back in winter, re-emerging in spring