#imperata

Imperata cylindrica ‘Rubra’

Japanese Blood Grass

Plant of the Day Saturday 8 July 2017

In a display of ornamental grasses on the Meadowgate Nursery stand at the Royal Horticultural Society’s Hampton Court Flower Show, Surrey, UK, a shoal of glass fishes swam between the red foliage of Imperata cylindrica ‘Rubra’ (Japanese blood grass). The leaves gradually turn red as the season progresses and it is best planted in a sunny, open location. This deciduous grass is particularly effective planted with other grasses, or shown off in a container.

Planted in the corner of the herbaceous border is Imperata cylindrica ‘Rubra’. The leaves; blood red in colour from the tip down. Plant where the sun will reflect on or through the leaves which then appear translucent as the season progresses. This is a rhizomatous species that can become a problem as it spreads. In some countries listed as a noxious weed. Native to Japan where it is used to control soil erosion.

Imperata cylindrica ‘Rubra’

Imperata cylindrica ‘Rubra’