Imperata cylindrica

Common Name:
Japanese Blood Grass, Cogon Grass

Description:
Imperata cylindrica, commonly known as Japanese Blood Grass, is a striking ornamental grass prized for its vibrant red-tipped foliage that intensifies in colour throughout the growing season. This clumping, upright grass adds dramatic contrast to garden beds, borders, and containers. It thrives in well-drained soil with moderate moisture and prefers full sun to part shade. Though it spreads slowly in cooler climates, it can be aggressive in warmer regions, so containment may be necessary. Japanese Blood Grass is drought-tolerant once established and requires minimal maintenance, making it a fantastic low-care addition to modern landscapes.

Form:

• Shrub - Clumping / Grass-like / Mounding

Mature Size:

• Height: 40–60 cm
• Spread: 30–60 cm

Aspect:

• Full Sun
• Part Shade

Flowering:

• Does not flower under Melbourne's weather conditions

Flower Colour:

• N/A

Key Attributes:

• Suitable for Pots
• Drought Tolerant
• Low Maintenance
• Perennial

Toxicity:

• Non-toxic to humans and pets

Companion Plants:

• Festuca glauca (Blue Fescue)
• Pennisetum species (Fountain Grass)
• Carex species (Sedges)
• Heuchera (Coral Bells)
• Sedum (Stonecrop)

Note:
While Japanese Blood Grass is a well-behaved ornamental variety, the green form of Imperata cylindrica (commonly called Cogon Grass) is considered highly invasive in some regions. Always ensure that you are planting a non-invasive cultivar.