An ornamental grass grown for upright blades that emerge green and flush with deepening blood-red tips, glowing when backlit. Note the species is a serious weed, so confine to pots and remove any green-reverting shoots.
At a glance
- Plant type: Ornamental grass
- Mature size: 50 cm H × 40 cm W
- Aspect: full sun and part shade or morning sun
- Water: regular, moderate watering
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: moderate maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Japanese Blood Grass
Imperata cylindrica 'Rubra' is an moderate-growing ornamental grass in the Poaceae family. It reaches around 50 cm tall and 40 cm wide at maturity, with deciduous and purple-toned foliage.
Where to grow Japanese Blood Grass
Japanese Blood Grass suits subtropical, warm-temperate and cool-temperate climates and grows best in full sun and part shade or morning sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters.
Soil & planting
Japanese Blood Grass does best in clay and free-draining soil. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Japanese Blood Grass is regular, moderate watering. A feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser keeps growth strong. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Cut Japanese Blood Grass back hard in late winter to refresh it before the new season's growth. Overall it is moderate maintenance.
Using Japanese Blood Grass in the garden
Japanese Blood Grass earns its place for a feature or specimen planting and pots and courtyard containers. It is equally at home in the ground or a large pot on a balcony or courtyard.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Japanese Blood Grass with other plants that enjoy the same regular, moderate watering and subtropical climate. Group three or five together for impact rather than dotting single plants through the garden.
Good to know
Be aware it can self-seed or spread into bushland in some regions — check it is not a declared weed in your area before planting.
Buying Japanese Blood Grass
Plant Sale lists Japanese Blood Grass as potted plants. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it is available.