Japanese Blood Grass Imperata cylindrica 'Rubra'
ABOUT
Commonly known as Japanese blood grass, this plant attracts gardeners and landscapers alike with its striking appearance. The foliage of Japanese blood grass has a unique flamboyance, with leaves that emerge green at the base and transmute to a vibrant, crimson red towards the tips. This gradient effect creates a fiery display, as if the blades were tipped with flames. Each leaf is narrow and upright, tapering to a fine point, contributing to a sleek, linear silhouette. The transition of colors is more pronounced as the growing season progresses, culminating in a rich, blood-red hue that can add a dramatic splash of color to any garden space. The overall visual effect of Japanese blood grass is one of brilliant color contrast and slender, elegant form that captures the light and moves gently in the breeze.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Poaceae
Synonyms
Japanese Blood Grass, Red Baron, Cogon Grass, Blady Grass, Speargrass, Satintail, Lalang
Common names
Imperata arundinacea Cirillo, Lagurus cylindricus L., Saccharum cylindricum (L.) Lam., Imperata arundinacea var. koenigii (Retz.) Durand & Schinz, Imperata arundinacea var. major (Nees) C.E.Hubb., Imperata aristata Poir., Saccharum koenigii Retz., Imperata brasiliensis Trin., Eriphorum cylindricum L., Imperata filifolia Steud., Imperata hookeri R.Br., Pollinia cylindrica (L.) Merr.
ToxicityTo humans
Japanese blood grass, commonly known as the ornamental version of Imperata cylindrica 'Rubra', is not known to be toxic to humans. Therefore, there are no specific symptoms of poisoning linked to this plant. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities could still cause adverse reactions.
To pets
Japanese blood grass is also not known to be toxic to pets. There is no widespread documentation of poisoning symptoms in animals due to ingestion of this plant. As with humans, individual pets may have allergies or sensitivities that could cause mild to moderate reactions, but these are not due to recognized toxic compounds in the plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Red
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-3 feet (30-90 cm)
Plant type
Grass
Hardiness zones
6
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Adds a striking visual element to gardens with its deep red and burgundy foliage.
- Drought Tolerance: Thrives in dry conditions, making it suitable for xeriscaping and reducing the need for irrigation.
- Erosion Control: Its dense growth pattern helps stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes and banks.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it a convenient choice for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Seasonal Interest: Provides year-round interest with foliage color intensifying in the fall.
- Adaptability: Can grow in a wide range of soil types, from sandy to clay.
- Resistance to Pests: Generally resistant to common pests, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Wildlife Attraction: Can attract birds that use the plants for cover and as a food source.
- Fast Growth: Quickly establishes itself, providing quick coverage and satisfying rapid landscaping needs.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Imperata cylindrica 'Rubra', commonly known as Japanese blood grass, can be used in thatching the roofs of traditional homes, especially in rural areas where the grass is abundant.
- It serves as a striking plant for ornamental borders due to its vivid red tips, offering aesthetic appeal in garden designs.
- The grass blades can be used in crafting for making decorative paper or as a natural embellishment for floral arrangements.
- Japanese blood grass can act as a natural barrier when planted densely, which can help prevent soil erosion on slopes and banks.
- Intricately woven, the grass can be turned into eco-friendly mats, baskets, and other handicrafts.
- The species has been used in some regions as fodder for livestock, but it is generally not recommended due to potential toxicity.
- It can be part of a firebreak strategy in wildfire-prone areas as the grass, when maintained well, contains high moisture content that can slow fire spread.
- As a natural dye, extracts from the red-tipped leaves can give color to fabrics or artwork when traditional dye substances are sought.
- Japanese blood grass can also provide sound insulation if planted densely in mass plantings around a property or along fence lines.
- The tall and flexible stalks of the grass can be used in wind instruments or whistles in various cultural craft practices.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Japanese Blood Grass is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Japanese Blood Grass is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Determination and Perseverance: The Japanese Blood Grass, as Imperata cylindrica 'Rubra' is commonly known, is able to thrive in tough conditions, symbolizing the ability to endure and persist.
- Unique Beauty: With its striking red-tipped blades, Japanese Blood Grass represents standing out from the crowd and celebrating one’s unique traits.
Change and Transformation: As the leaves of Japanese Blood Grass transition from green to a deep red, they symbolize the process of change and the beauty of transformation in life.
WaterJapanese Blood Grass prefers consistent moisture, so water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry. Typically, this means watering once a week, but frequency can increase during hot, dry periods. It is generally recommended to provide about 1 inch of water per week, which equates to approximately 0.6 gallons for an average-sized plant. Ensure that the soil is well-draining to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. During the winter months, reduce watering to prevent the plant from sitting in too much moisture when its growth slows down.
LightJapanese Blood Grass thrives in full sun to partial shade. The ideal spot would be one where it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, which ensures the leaves develop their characteristic red coloration. However, in regions with intensely hot summers, a little afternoon shade can be beneficial to protect the plant from scorching.
TemperatureJapanese Blood Grass does well in a wide range of temperatures, but it performs best when the climate is between 60°F and 90°F. This plant can survive minimum temperatures down to about -20°F, making it resilient in colder climates. Conversely, it tolerates heat quite well, so long as it receives adequate moisture.
PruningPruning Japanese Blood Grass is mainly about maintaining shape and removing any brown or damaged blades. It is best pruned in early spring, before new growth appears. Cut back the entire plant to about 4 inches high once a year to refresh its growth. This timing helps to encourage vibrant new blades to emerge.
CleaningAs needed
SoilJapanese Blood Grass prefers well-draining soil with a mix of sand, loam, and peat to retain some moisture. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ideally between 5.5 and 7.0 for optimal growth.
RepottingJapanese Blood Grass should be repotted every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. It's best to repot in the spring before the growing season begins.
Humidity & MistingJapanese Blood Grass tolerates a wide range of humidity levels but thrives best in moderate to high humidity conditions, without the need for specific adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and keep soil evenly moist.
Outdoor
Full sun to part shade; water regularly to maintain moist soil.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Japanese Blood Grass, also known as Imperata cylindrica 'Rubra', begins its life cycle with seed germination in favorable conditions of warmth and moisture, usually in late spring or early summer. Seedlings emerge and grow, developing into clumps of upright leaves that start green at the base transitioning to a striking crimson red towards the tips. As a perennial grass, Japanese Blood Grass enters a vegetative stage where it grows and expands through rhizomes, forming dense mats. During its reproductive stage, which might not be prominent or frequent in the 'Rubra' cultivar, it produces fluffy, silvery-white flower spikes in late summer to fall. After flowering, seeds are produced and dispersed, completing the sexual reproductive cycle. In winter or in adverse conditions, the above-ground foliage dies back, while the plant survives underground through its rhizomes, ready to regrow when conditions improve.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagating Japanese Blood Grass, or Imperata cylindrica 'Rubra', is through division. This is preferably done in the spring when the plant is emerging from dormancy and the roots are beginning to grow actively. To propagate by division, carefully lift the parent plant from the ground using a spade, ensuring as much of the root system is intact as possible. Gently separate the clump into smaller sections, each with several shoots and a healthy portion of roots. These divisions can then be replanted in the garden at the same depth they were growing previously, spaced about 12 to 18 inches (approximately 30 to 45 centimeters) apart to allow for growth. Water the new plants thoroughly after planting to help establish them in their new locations.
