Imperata cylindrica ‘Red Baron’: The Red Flame of the Garden

Imperata cylindrica ‘Red Baron’, also known as Japanese Blood Grass, is a spectacular ornamental grass known for its unique intense scarlet red foliage. Elegant, graphic, and colorful, it catches every eye with its ability to brighten up flowerbeds and create flamboyant contrasts from spring to autumn.

Flamboyant and Evolving Foliage

‘Red Baron’ forms a dense, upright clump of 40 to 50 cm in height, and approximately 30 to 40 cm in width. Its narrow, pointed leaves emerge tender green in spring, then gradually turn carmine red, before reaching a deep and luminous red by the end of summer.
The color intensifies with heat and sun, offering a spectacular effect in borders, beds, or containers. In autumn, the foliage takes on crimson reflections before drying beautifully for winter, adding a light and graphic structure to the garden.

Cultivation and Care

Imperata ‘Red Baron’ is easy to cultivate in full sun in light, fertile, well-drained soil, preferably moist but without excessive water. It tolerates partial shade, but its red hues will be less intense there. Very hardy (down to -20 °C), it withstands cold winters if the soil remains well-drained.
In late winter, cut back the clump a few centimeters from the ground to stimulate new growth.

💡 Tip: in heavy soil, improve drainage by adding sand or fine gravel.

Key Characteristics

• Foliage color: Tender green in spring, intense red in summer, crimson in autumn

• Type: Perennial ornamental grass

• Exposure: Full sun (light partial shade tolerated)

• Soil: Light, fertile, moist, well-drained

• Watering: Regular, moderate in summer

• Flowering: Rare in cultivation (silvery panicles sometimes in autumn)

• Height: 40 to 50 cm

• Width: 30 to 40 cm

• Use: Beds, borders, containers, contemporary or Japanese gardens

• Hardiness: Hardy down to -20 °C

The + of Imperata ‘Red Baron’

A true vegetable flame, Imperata ‘Red Baron’ injects a vibrant and modern energy into compositions. Its spectacular and changing color makes it a strong visual accent, perfect for breaking the monotony of green foliage. In groups or in contrast with golden grasses or silvery foliage, it creates a striking and unforgettable visual effect.