Imperata cylindrica 'Rubra'
Japanese blood grass, Chigaya, Fushige-chigaya, Red cogon
Also known as Imperata cylindrica 'Red Baron', Imperata 'Red Baron'
- Height × spread
- 0.4m × 0.2m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Very cold to -20C (RHS H6)
- Flowers
- Autumn
Availability
Generally available in late Spring & early Summer
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This grass comes into its own in late summer and autumn. It starts the season as a clump of green grass. First, the leaf tips change to bright red, then the colour extends down the stems until, by autumn, you have blood-red grass. In the garden it offers many options both subtle and unsubtle. Be warned, though; in early summer this sometimes resembles couch grass, and may be accidentally eradicated, so it is worth labelling it clearly.
- Foliage colour
- Green, Red
- Autumn foliage
- Red-crimson
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Bell
- Height
- 0.4m
- Spread
- 0.2m
- Season of interest
- Summer, Autumn
- Flowers in
- Autumn
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Small scale garden, Prairie garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, likes part shade, likes light shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Gravelly soil, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Damp and wet soil, Well drained soil
- Hardiness
- Very cold to -20C (RHS H6)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Bird attraction
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
Spring - early-mid · Planting
Divide when too large
The plant can be divided if it becomes too large or another plant is required. This may involve physically dividing the clump in two, removing offsets or small bulbs or dividing rhizomes. The new plants can be grown in pots or planted in the ground.