Imperata cylindrica Red Baron

Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
Price range: Contact Us
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Imperata cylindrica 'Red Baron', also known as Japanese Blood Grass, is a striking ornamental grass that brings vibrant colour and textural contrast to New Zealand gardens. Its upright, sword-like foliage shifts from fresh green at the base to brilliant crimson-red at the tips, making it an instant focal point in borders, containers, and contemporary landscaping. Adaptable and low maintenance, Imperata cylindrica Red Baron thrives in a wide range of conditions and is a favourite among Kiwi gardeners for adding year-round interest and a dramatic splash of colour.

Imperata Red Baron

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Imperata 'Red Baron', commonly known as Japanese Blood Grass, features leaves that are green at the base and become red further up the blade. Through summer and autumn, the red colouring intensifies such that the foliage appears to be glowing. It grows as a clump to about 45 cm tall and the same wide. Japanese Blood Grass is commonly used in borders or mixed plantings, included in rock gardens, maintained in a container, or mass planted for an impressive display. This plant is popular with landscape designers and experienced gardeners due to its sheer beauty.

Imperata Red Baron

Suited to regions:
Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type:
Grasses
Height:
45 cm
Spread:
45 cm
Tolerances:
Coastal
Garden uses:
Banks, Borders, Containers, Living areas, Parks, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas, Specimen
Garden styles:
Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Cottage, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern

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Features and Benefits of Imperata cylindrica Red Baron

Imperata cylindrica Red Baron stands out with its bold, architectural form and dynamic colouring. New growth starts off green and transitions into vivid red hues as the season progresses, reaching its boldest shades in late summer and autumn. This grass typically grows to around 40-50 cm in height, forming neat, clumping tufts that do not spread aggressively. Its dense habit makes it ideal for mass planting, as a specimen in mixed borders, or for edging paths and garden beds.

Other benefits include:

Drought tolerance once established
Resistance to most pests and diseases
Easy care and minimal pruning
Non-invasive in cultivated gardens

How to Grow and Care for Imperata cylindrica Red Baron

Imperata cylindrica Red Baron is suited to most garden soils, preferring a spot with consistent moisture and good drainage. It flourishes in full sun to partial shade, with the strongest red colouring achieved in sunnier positions. In heavy shade, the foliage may remain mostly green. Mulching helps retain soil moisture, particularly through the warmer months.

For best results, plant Imperata cylindrica Red Baron in spring or autumn, spacing clumps approximately 30 cm apart if using as a groundcover or border. Water regularly during establishment, then reduce as plants mature. Trim back old foliage in winter or early spring to encourage fresh new growth.

Design Ideas and Companion Plants

The dramatic foliage of Imperata cylindrica Red Baron makes it a perfect companion to contrasting textures and colours. Try pairing it with other low-maintenance grasses such as Lomandra 'Tanika' for a modern, drought-tolerant look. Its red tones also work beautifully with the dark leaves of Ophiopogon planiscapus or the cascading stems of Liriope 'Emerald Cascade'.

For striking contrast, plant alongside silver or variegated varieties like Miscanthus sinensis 'Variegatus' or the bronze and green strappy leaves of Libertia 'Taupo Blaze'. Imperata cylindrica Red Baron also makes a bold statement in containers on patios or decks, where its colour can be fully appreciated up close.

Why Choose Imperata cylindrica Red Baron for Your NZ Garden

Adding Imperata cylindrica Red Baron provides not only visual excitement but also resilience and versatility. This ornamental grass offers a low-fuss solution for gardeners seeking impactful, long-lasting foliage colour without the maintenance demands of more temperamental plants. Its compact size and non-invasive nature make it suitable for urban gardens, rural properties, and everything in between.

Imperata cylindrica Red Baron is an enduring favourite in New Zealand gardens, and for good reason. Its spectacular colour, adaptability, and easy-care nature ensure it will continue to be a popular choice for years to come.

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Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.