Imperata cylindrica “Red Baron”

Japanese Bloodgrass
Imperata cylindrica “Red Baron”
Type: Perennial Ornamental Grass
Exposure: Full Sun / Part Shade
Water: Regular

I can’t decide if today’s plant has the coolest, or the most gruesome, common name ever. This interesting and colorful ornamental grass features deciduous blades that are green near the base, changing to bright red closer to the tip. This red color intensifies in autumn. Forming a clump 18in (45cm) high and wide, it works well as an edging plant, and is especially effective in mass plantings. The flowers, though rare, are slender silver panicles which appear in late summer.

Note: Although it’s well behaved here in the Pacific Northwest, it is invasive in some areas, particularly the Southeast United States. Be sure to check with your local nursery about its suitability in your area.

Cheers,

John