How to Grow Red Baron Japanese Blood Grass
Wikimedia Commons
Red Baron Japanese Blood Grass
Imperata cylindrica 'Rubra'
grassRed Baron is a striking ornamental grass prized for its deep crimson-red foliage that intensifies in color as temperatures cool. It grows in upright clumps with fine-textured leaves and delicate silvery plumes in late summer. This cultivar is less invasive than the species and is popular in landscape design for its dramatic color and architectural interest.
When should you plant Red Baron Japanese Blood Grass in your zone?
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Example Red Baron Japanese Blood Grass timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Red Baron Japanese Blood Grass
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Red Baron Japanese Blood Grass
Around Apr 19≈ 2 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Red Baron Japanese Blood Grass dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives best in zones 6-9; hardy to zone 5b with winter protection
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Get my Red Baron Japanese Blood Grass timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
Spring through early summer, first yearYoung plant with thin green to reddish foliage just emerging; limited clump size
Water regularly to establish deep root system; avoid waterlogging. Do not fertilize heavily as this promotes weak growth.
Vegetative Growth
Late spring through mid-summerClump expands with increasingly red-tinged leaves, especially at tips; foliage becomes more upright
Continue moderate watering. Apply light fertilizer (low nitrogen) in spring. Remove any dead winter foliage from previous year.
Color Intensification
Late summer through fallFoliage deepens to crimson-red as temperatures drop in fall; color is most vibrant in cooler weather
Reduce watering slightly. Avoid fertilizing at this stage. The cooling temperatures trigger the red pigmentation naturally.
Flowering
Late summer through early fallDelicate silvery-white plumes emerge above the red foliage, creating striking contrast
Allow plumes to develop for ornamental appeal. Do not cut back yet if you want to enjoy the winter structure.
Dormancy & Winter
Late fall through early springFoliage fades to bronze-red or tan; plumes persist and create architectural winter interest
Cut back to 2-4 inches above ground in late winter (February-March) before new growth emerges. In zone 5, consider mulching around the crown with 2-3 inches for winter protection.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Ensure good air circulation; avoid overhead watering; remove infected foliage; apply sulfur fungicide if severe
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Improve drainage; remove affected foliage; avoid wetting foliage; apply copper fungicide if widespread
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Ensure excellent drainage; reduce watering frequency; do not mulch around crown; replant in well-draining soil if severe
Uses
Dried Floral Arrangements
CraftThe silvery plumes persist well when dried and add elegant texture to floral arrangements and wreaths. Cut stems in early fall for best results. [source]
Wildlife Habitat & Food
WildlifeOrnamental grasses like Red Baron provide shelter and nesting material for birds and beneficial insects. The dense foliage creates microhabitats. [source]
Landscape Focal Point & Color
HouseholdRed Baron's dramatic crimson foliage provides striking seasonal color in borders, containers, and mixed perennial gardens, especially beautiful against blue-flowering plants. [source]
Winter Interest & Structure
HouseholdWhen left uncut through winter, the persistent dried foliage and plumes create attractive architectural structure in the garden, catching frost and snow beautifully. [source]
Not for consumption
CulinaryRed Baron Japanese Blood Grass is purely ornamental and not edible. It should not be consumed by humans or pets. [source]
Harvest Tips
Red Baron is ornamental and not harvested for food. Plumes can be cut for dried arrangements in fall before they shatter. Cut stems at base when plumes are fully developed but before heavy frost.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Red Baron's dramatic crimson color is caused by anthocyanin pigmentation that intensifies in cool fall temperatures—the same compound that makes fall foliage brilliant.
- 🌱 Despite its common name 'Japanese Blood Grass,' the 'Rubra' cultivar is the ornamental form of Imperata cylindrica, which is actually native to Asia and is considered an aggressive invasive weed in many regions; the cultivar is non-invasive and sterile.
- 🌱 Red Baron can grow 18-24 inches tall and live for 10+ years with proper care, creating a permanent landscape statement in temperate gardens.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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