Red Baron Japanese Blood Grass

Imperata cylindrica 'Rubra' / 'Red Baron' (Imperata cylindrica 'Rubra') is one of the most visually stunning ornamental grasses in cultivation — a plant whose extraordinary, blood-red foliage intensifies with almost theatrical seasonal drama from the first flush of spring growth through the blazing crescendo of autumn color. New blades emerge in spring with green bases that transition to rich ruby-red tips, and as the season progresses, the entire blade deepens progressively to a saturated, glowing crimson-red that reaches its most spectacular and breathtaking intensity in the cool, clear days of autumn — blazing like living fire when backlit by low morning or evening sunlight. Few ornamental plants of any kind deliver the same combination of season-long color evolution, refined fine texture, and luminous jewel-toned brilliance that Red Baron Japanese Blood Grass brings to the border, the container garden, and the carefully composed landscape.

This professional-grade 4" plant arrives with a healthy, well-established root system cultivated through professional horticultural practices — ready to settle in and begin its characteristic seasonal color progression. 'Red Baron' excels as a bold accent plant in mixed borders, a dramatic edging specimen along pathways, a stunning container subject on patios and terraces, and a textural foil for silver, chartreuse, and deep burgundy companions. Position it where low morning or evening sunlight can backlight the blades for the most spectacular possible display — the glowing, translucent crimson effect in raking sunlight is among the most breathtaking sights any ornamental garden has to offer.

• Spectacular Blood-Red Foliage That Deepens All Season: Blades emerge with green bases and ruby-red tips in spring, deepen progressively to rich crimson through summer, and culminate in blazing jewel-toned scarlet in autumn — one of the most dramatic and rewarding seasonal color progressions in the entire ornamental grass world, unmatched for sustained visual impact.
• Luminous Backlit Display: When positioned to catch low morning or evening sunlight, the translucent crimson blades glow with an almost supernatural luminosity — a breathtaking, photogenic garden effect that makes 'Red Baron' one of the most visually spectacular and display-worthy ornamental plants available for the thoughtfully composed garden.
• Refined Fine Texture & Upright Architectural Form: Slender, upright blades create refined vertical structure and delicate fine texture in borders and containers — providing strong architectural presence and elegant linear form without the bulk or coarseness of larger ornamental grasses.
• Genuine Four-Season Ornamental Interest: Ruby-tipped new growth in spring, deepening crimson through summer, blazing autumn color, and attractive upright winter structure together provide continuous year-round ornamental value that few other ornamental grasses can match across all four seasons.
• Versatile, High-Impact Design Companion: The vivid crimson foliage harmonizes spectacularly with silver artemisia, chartreuse grasses, deep burgundy heucheras, and blue festucas — an exceptionally versatile accent plant that intensifies and enriches virtually every surrounding color in the mixed border palette.

These 4" healthy live plants thrive in full sun to partial shade with average, consistently moist, well-drained soil; best red color intensity develops in full sun — shade reduces the depth and saturation of the foliage color significantly. Water regularly, keeping soil evenly moist through the growing season. USDA Hardiness Zones 5–9; mature height: 12–24 inches; spread: 12–18 inches. Bloom time: late summer (insignificant silver plumes — grown primarily for foliage). Note: in warmer climates (Zones 8–9), monitor for spreading habit; in cooler zones (5–7) the plant is well-behaved and clumping.