Imperata is traditionally used as roof thatching in Papua New Guinea. It helps prevent erosion along beaches, after fires, or in denuded areas in general.
I. cylindrica 'Red Baron' is native to Japan. In the spring, it's leaves emerge medium green at the base and red at it's tips. The red color extends along leaf and intensifies in summer and fall.
| Plant Types: | Grass, Perennial |
| Light: | Partial Shade to Full Sun |
| Height: | 1 foot 4 inches to 1 foot 8 inches |
| Width: | 1 foot 6 inches to 2 feet |
| Zones: | 5a to 9b |
| Leaf Color: | Pink, Variegated |
| Special Features: | Attractive foliage, Deer resistant |
| Shape: | Upright or erect |
| Fertilizer: | Composted Yard Trimmings |
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Imperata may be grown from seed or by division of the rhizomes.
The Japanese Blood Grass can grow to be 1-2' tall and will spread by underground runners. While it is an ornamental, some places consider it a noxious weed.
The flowers, in plume-like spikes, yield thistledown like seeds, which the wind bears away.
Japanese Blood Grass is not fussy about soil type but does require regular watering.
I. cylindrica's red tipped leaves become more red as time passes, and the entire leaf is blood red by fall. Any blades that revert to green may be safely removed. Remove browned blades after the first frost.