How to Grow Japanese Bloodgrass
Wikimedia Commons
Japanese Bloodgrass
Imperata cylindrica 'Red Baron'
grassJapanese Bloodgrass is a striking ornamental grass prized for its vibrant crimson foliage that intensifies in color as the growing season progresses. The narrow leaves emerge green at the base and gradually turn deep red to burgundy, creating a dramatic color gradient effect. This semi-evergreen perennial adds visual interest and texture to gardens, borders, and containers.
When should you plant Japanese Bloodgrass in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Japanese Bloodgrass timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Japanese Bloodgrass
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Japanese Bloodgrass
Around Jul 16≈ 90 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Japanese Bloodgrass dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives best in zones 6-9; marginal in zone 5 with winter protection
Sign up free to see if Japanese Bloodgrass grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Japanese Bloodgrass timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
4-6 weeksYoung plants emerge with mostly green foliage with hints of red at the tips. Growth is relatively slow initially.
Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. Ensure full sun exposure. Mulch lightly to retain moisture. Do not fertilize heavily, as excess nitrogen promotes green growth over red coloration.
Vegetative Growth
6-10 weeksFoliage expands; leaves develop stronger red coloration from the tips downward. Plant begins to form its characteristic mounding shape.
Maintain moderate moisture. Reduce watering once established. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers. Increase sun exposure if color is not developing well.
Peak Color Development
8-12 weeksFoliage reaches peak crimson to deep burgundy coloration, especially as temperatures cool in late summer and fall. The color contrast between green bases and red tips is most dramatic.
Water only during drought conditions. Do not fertilize. Deadhead any flowering spikes if appearance is a priority. Enjoy the vibrant display.
Flowering
4-6 weeks in mid-to-late summerSlender, inconspicuous pinkish-white flower spikes emerge above the foliage. Flowers are minor ornamental features compared to the foliage.
Deadhead spent flowers if desired for neater appearance. Allow some flowers to remain for seed dispersal and wildlife habitat if desired.
Dormancy & Winter
3-4 monthsFoliage may fade to orange-brown or tan over winter. In colder zones (5-6), the plant may die back completely; in warmer zones, foliage persists as semi-evergreen.
Cut back dead foliage in late winter (February-March) before new growth emerges. In zone 5, provide winter mulch. Avoid cutting back in fall as this removes winter interest.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Spray with water to dislodge; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap if infestation is severe. Increase humidity around the plant.
-
Prune affected areas; apply horticultural oil during dormancy. Monitor and hand-remove if present.
-
Remove with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol; spray with insecticidal soap for larger infestations.
Uses
Ornamental Focal Point & Garden Design
HouseholdJapanese Bloodgrass serves as a stunning visual anchor in mixed borders, containers, and landscape design. Its unique crimson coloration provides year-round interest and dramatic contrast against green foliage and flowers. [source]
Dried Floral Arrangements
CraftThe dried foliage and flower spikes can be used in dried arrangements, wreaths, and craft projects. The deep burgundy color persists well when dried and adds textural interest to floral designs. [source]
Wildlife Habitat & Pollinator Support
WildlifeThe grass provides shelter and nesting material for birds and beneficial insects. The flower spikes attract pollinators and the seeds provide food for songbirds in winter. [source]
Container & Specimen Planting
HouseholdJapanese Bloodgrass thrives in containers, allowing gardeners in colder zones to move plants indoors for winter protection. It creates an elegant focal point on patios, decks, and small spaces. [source]
Harvest Tips
Japanese Bloodgrass is an ornamental grass and is not harvested for food or medicinal use. However, dried foliage can be cut in late fall or winter for floral arrangements and dried flower displays. Cut with sharp shears when fully dried but before spring growth begins. The foliage holds its color reasonably well in dried arrangements.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The cultivar 'Red Baron' was developed to be ornamental and sterile, preventing it from spreading invasively like its parent species Imperata cylindrica, which is considered highly invasive in some regions.
- 🌱 The color intensity of Japanese Bloodgrass deepens significantly with cooler fall temperatures and full sun exposure—the same conditions that trigger anthocyanin production in maples and other ornamental plants.
- 🌱 Japanese Bloodgrass is semi-evergreen in warmer zones, maintaining its colorful foliage throughout mild winters, providing striking visual interest when many other plants are dormant.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Japanese Bloodgrass planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Japanese Bloodgrass seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Japanese Bloodgrass timeline →