Imperata cylindrica ‘Red Baron’
$28.99
Imperata cylindrica Rubra is a red-tipped deciduous grass with upright linear leaves, but U.S. cultivation and movement are restricted because it can revert to invasive cogongrass.
- Description
- Additional information
Description
Imperata cylindrica Rubra forms a loose tuft of upright linear leaves that emerge green and become strongly suffused deep red from the tips downward. Narrow silvery panicles may appear in late summer, though flowering is uncommon.
Grow only where legally permitted, in full sun or partial shade and moist but well-drained soil. It is federally regulated in the United States, interstate movement is prohibited into many states, and green reversions can behave like invasive cogongrass. Check current APHIS and state rules before acquiring, moving, propagating, or planting it.
Remove dead foliage in spring and immediately remove any all-green shoots. Safer native grasses are preferable where this plant is restricted or ecologically risky.
Additional information
| Height | 10 in – 2 ft |
|---|---|
| Spread | 2 ft – 4 ft |
| Flowering months | August, September |
| Synonyms | Imperata cylindrica 'Red Baron', IMPERATA cylindrica 'Rubra'/ 'Red Baron', Imperata cylindrica Red Baron, Imperata Red Baron |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Hazardous | yes |
| Variegated | no |
| Color flower summer | White, Silver |
| Aspect | East, South, West |
| Foliage | Deciduous |
| Habit | Clump-former, Tufted |
| Moisture | Moist but Well Drained, Well Drained Soil |
| Ph | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Position | Full sun, Partial shade |
| Shape | Upright |
| Suggest planting location | Urban and courtyard gardens, Flowering borders, Cottage and informal gardens |
| Type | Grass |
| Use for | Architectural, Ground cover, Bedding Plant |
| Years to max height | 2 |
| Drought resistance | yes |
| Soil | Clay, Loam |
| Local names | Japanese Blood Grass, Red Baron Cogongrass |
| Usps | Upright leaves intensify from green bases to deep red tips., Fine vertical foliage creates a dramatic late-summer accent., Red pigmentation strengthens through the warm growing season. |
| Propagation | Divide established clumps in mid-spring only where possession and propagation are legal. |
| Pests | Generally pest-free. |
| Diseases | Generally disease-free. |
| Pruning | Remove dead foliage and old flower stems in spring, and promptly remove any all-green reverting shoots. |
| Watering instructions | Keep fertile soil moist but well drained and avoid prolonged waterlogging. |
| Sunlight instructions | Grow in full sun for the strongest red color, or partial shade where summers are hot. |