Japanese Blood Grass ‘Rubra’ – Red Ornamental Grass for Modern Gardens

Japanese Blood Grass

1 Gallon

$19.90

Japanese Blood Grass

Imperata cylindrica 'Rubra'

A dramatic ornamental grass with vivid red-tipped foliage that deepens in color through the growing season.

$19.90

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Bay Area–Based Nursery

We specialize in plants grown and delivered in their original pots and soil.
Because of their size and weight, our plants are not suitable for long-distance shipping and are delivered locally to ensure health and quality.

While delivery is limited to our local service area, we’re happy to support garden design and plant selection remotely.

For local plant professionals, we’re always glad to connect and explore ways to support your customers.

Japanese Blood Grass (Imperata cylindrica ‘Rubra’) is a compact ornamental grass prized for its intense red foliage that emerges green in spring and gradually transforms into brilliant crimson by late summer and fall. Its upright, narrow blades create a bold vertical accent while maintaining a refined, architectural look.

This variety is widely used in modern landscapes, Japanese-style gardens, and container plantings, offering season-long color with minimal maintenance. Unlike the species form, ‘Rubra’ is grown specifically for ornamental use and is valued for its controlled growth habit.

Why gardeners choose Japanese Blood Grass ‘Rubra’:

Striking red foliage that intensifies with sun exposure
Compact size ideal for borders and containers
Excellent contrast plant for green or silver foliage
Drought tolerant once established
Performs exceptionally well in California climates

Whether planted in mass for visual impact or as an accent in a mixed border, Japanese Blood Grass delivers reliable color and texture throughout the year.

Knowing how we measure the size?

When browsing our plants, you may notice size terms such as Gallon, Multi, or Stand. These describe how a plant is grown, containerized, or structured at the time of sale — not just its height. Understanding these terms will help you choose the right plant for your space and expectations.

🌱 Gallon Size (Container Size)

Gallon refers to the size of the nursery container the plant is currently growing in (e.g. 1 Gallon, 5 Gallon, 15 Gallon).

A larger gallon size generally means:
- A more established root system
- A sturdier plant
- Faster visual impact after planting
Example:
- 5 Gallon: Ideal for residential gardens, easy to handle, good balance of value and maturity
- 15 Gallon: More mature, provides quicker results in the landscape

Note: Gallon size does not guarantee a specific height, as growth varies by species.

🌳 Multi (Multi-Trunk / Multi-Branch Form)

Multi indicates the plant has multiple trunks or main stems growing from the base.

Commonly used for:
- Ornamental trees
- Feature plants
- Japanese maples, olives, crepe myrtles, etc.
Why choose Multi:
- Fuller, more sculptural appearance
- Strong visual presence even at younger ages
- Popular for design-focused landscapes

🌲 Stand (Single-Trunk / Standard Form)

Stand (short for Standard) refers to a single, dominant trunk with a raised or naturally formed canopy.

Commonly used for:
- Shade trees
- Street trees
- Orchard and structural plantings
Why choose Stand:
- Clean, classic tree form
- Easier clearance for walkways and lawns
- Preferred for long-term structure and uniformity

🌿 Choosing the Right Size

If you want instant impact → larger Gallon, Multi form
If you want long-term structure → Stand form
If you want flexibility and value → mid-size Gallon containers

If you’re unsure which size or form fits your project, our team is happy to help you select the best option based on your space, timeline, and design goals.

Botanical Name: Imperata cylindrica ‘Rubra’

Common Name: Japanese Blood Grass

Plant Type: Perennial ornamental grass

Mature Size: 12–18 ft tall, 12–18 in wide

Sun Exposure: Full sun to light shade

Water Needs: Low to moderate

Growth Rate: Moderate

USDA Zones: 5–9

Container Friendly: Yes

Does Japanese Blood Grass spread aggressively?
No. The ‘Rubra’ cultivar is significantly less vigorous than the species and is generally considered non-invasive in ornamental landscape use.

How much sun does it need for the best color?
Full sun produces the strongest red coloration. Light shade is tolerated but may reduce intensity.

Is it suitable for containers?
Yes. It performs very well in pots and planters, making it popular for patios and entryways.

Does it die back in winter?
In colder zones it may go dormant and re-emerge in spring. In mild Bay Area winters, foliage often remains attractive year-round.

How often should it be watered?
Water regularly during establishment. Once established, it is drought tolerant with occasional deep watering.