Imperata 'Red Baron' - Japanese blood grass: a firework of colour for your garden
The Japanese blood grass 'Red Baron' (Imperata cylindrica 'Red Baron') is a fascinating ornamental grass species that is an absolute eye-catcher in any garden thanks to its extraordinary intensity of colour. This perennial, which belongs to the sweet grass family (Poaceae), is known for its bright red leaf tips, which intensify over the course of the season and add a touch of drama and elegance to the garden.
A riot of colour in the border
Imperata 'Red Baron' is a particularly eye-catching grass species, characterised by its unique colouring. While the base of the narrow leaves remains green, the tips turn increasingly deep red over the course of the summer, creating an impressive colour gradient. The maximum growth height is around 40 centimetres, making the grass an ideal height to show off in beds, containers or as border planting.
This ornamental grass does not form inflorescences, but this is more than compensated for by its spectacular foliage colouring. Especially in autumn, when many other plants lose their leaves, the Japanese blood grass remains a highlight in the garden with its fiery colours.
Ideal planting partners and choice of location
The Japanese blood grass 'Red Baron' can be perfectly combined with various planting partners to create fascinating contrasts and harmonious overall pictures. In sunny to semi-shady borders, it can be combined with perennials such as sunflower (Helenium), which emphasises the red of the blood grass with its yellow-orange flowers. The combination with white or blue flowering plants such as catmint (Nepeta) or anemone also creates a wonderful play of colours that is pleasing to the eye.
For a modern and minimalist garden style, you can plant Imperata 'Red Baron' with grasses such as blue fescue (Festuca glauca) or lamp grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides Hameln), whose understated elegance and fine texture perfectly complement the strong colour of the blood grass.
Easy to care for and adaptable
Japanese blood grass is not only popular because of its beauty, but also because of its uncomplicated care. It prefers well-drained, nutrient-rich soil that should not be too dry. A sunny location promotes the most intense red colouring of the leaves, but the grass also thrives in partial shade. Regular watering is important, especially during dry periods, to maintain the luminosity of the leaves. In winter, Imperata 'Red Baron' is frost hardy to around -10°C. In particularly harsh regions, light winter protection is recommended to protect the roots from heavy frost.
Pruning in late autumn or early spring promotes growth the following year and ensures that the grass remains compact and healthy. It then sprouts again in spring and displays its magnificent colouring from summer onwards.
A must for every garden
Imperata 'Red Baron' is an impressive plant that enriches any garden with its intense colouring. Whether in beds, containers, as a border planting or as part of a modern garden design - the Japanese blood grass creates striking accents and harmonises wonderfully with a variety of other plants. Its ease of care and adaptability make it an excellent choice for garden lovers looking for an eye-catching yet uncomplicated plant. With Imperata 'Red Baron' you can bring a real blaze of colour to your garden!
Our plants are grown in pots and can therefore be planted all year round.
