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 a 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. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Japanese Blood Grass does best with regular, moderate watering. Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring to support healthy growth. Check moisture below the mulch during establishment and water thoroughly when needed rather than following a rigid schedule.
Pruning & care
Cut Japanese Blood Grass back hard in late winter to refresh it before the new season's growth. Its ongoing care level 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
Build the planting around neighbours suited to the same regular, moderate watering and subtropical climate as Japanese Blood Grass. Repeating the foliage or flower colour nearby will make the composition feel deliberate.
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. Use the interest form above to check current sizes, pricing and availability before ordering.
