Imperata cylindrica ‘Red Baron’ – Japanese Blood Grass with Brilliant Scarlet Foliage
Imperata cylindrica ‘Red Baron’, commonly known as Japanese Blood Grass, is one of the most striking ornamental grasses for foliage colour. Valued for its dramatic upright leaves, the fresh green foliage gradually develops vivid crimson-red tips during summer before turning almost entirely brilliant scarlet by autumn, creating one of the most spectacular seasonal displays in the garden.
Its compact, upright habit makes it ideal for the front of borders, gravel gardens, prairie-style planting, and patio containers. The strong vertical foliage provides excellent contrast against softer, arching grasses and flowering perennials, adding structure and vibrant colour without overwhelming neighbouring plants.
Unlike the invasive wild species, the cultivated variety ‘Red Baron’ is well behaved and forms neat, slowly expanding clumps, making it suitable for gardens of all sizes.
The vivid foliage is particularly effective when planted in groups, where the fiery red leaves create bold swathes of colour that intensify as the season progresses. It combines beautifully with silver foliage, purple flowers, and ornamental grasses to produce eye-catching planting schemes.
Thriving in full sun, Imperata ‘Red Baron’ performs best in fertile, well-drained soil. The brightest red foliage develops in sunny positions, while the plant remains hardy, reliable, and easy to maintain.
Bold, colourful, and architectural, Imperata ‘Red Baron’ is an outstanding ornamental grass for adding dramatic foliage colour from summer well into autumn.
Seasonal Beauty & Growth
Spring
Fresh green upright leaves emerge from the base.
Summer
Leaf tips begin turning vivid crimson-red.
Autumn
Foliage reaches its peak with brilliant scarlet-red colouring.
Winter
The foliage dies back, ready for fresh growth in spring.
Why Grow Imperata 'Red Baron'?
✔ Spectacular scarlet-red autumn foliage
✔ Compact upright growth habit
✔ Excellent architectural structure
✔ Perfect for borders and containers
✔ Easy to grow and low maintenance
✔ Outstanding seasonal colour
Perfect For
- Contemporary gardens
- Mixed borders
- Gravel gardens
- Patio containers
- Prairie-style planting
- Foliage displays
Planting & Care Guide
Position: Full sun for the best foliage colour.
Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil.
Hardiness: Fully hardy throughout the UK.
Watering: Water during establishment and prolonged dry periods.
Pruning: Cut back dead foliage in late winter or early spring before new growth appears.
Ultimate Size: Approximately 30–50cm tall and 30–45cm wide.
Looks Great With
- Echinacea ‘Sombrero White’
- Salvia ‘Caradonna’
- Verbena bonariensis
- Hakonechloa macra
- Heuchera ‘Palace Purple’
- Stipa tenuissima
Imperata cylindrica ‘Red Baron’ is one of the finest ornamental grasses for vibrant foliage colour, bringing brilliant scarlet tones, elegant structure, and long-lasting seasonal interest to borders, containers, and contemporary garden designs.
