Imperata cylindrica 'Rubra'

(Gramineae/Poaceae). Japanese blood grass. Genus of 6 species of slender-stemmed, rhizomatous, perennial grasses from tropical and warm-temperate, open grassland in Japan. Erect, spike-like panicles of short, silvery spikelets borne in summer. Variegated cultivars are grown for their striking foliage. Good in light woodland, containers and mixed herbaceaous borders.

syn 'Red Baron'. Sun or part shade. Tolerates most soils. Endures droughts. The only grass with truly red leaves. Leaves emerge in early spring, held erect and are at first yellowish-green. Blood red drains down whole of leaf and greatest intensity in midsummer to early autumn. Eventual Ht 30-45cm/1'. Sold in 9cm pots