Grasses
Imperata cylindrica 'Red Baron'
Red Baron Japanese blood grass
Upright green blades develop vivid red tips that deepen through summer, bringing strong color to a sunny border or container. This red-leaved selection is commonly sold as Japanese blood grass. Monitor it for any all-green shoots and remove those promptly; green reversions can spread aggressively and should not be allowed to establish.
At a glance
- Sun
- Full sun to part shade
- Mature size
- 12–18 in. tall × 12–18 in. wide
- Water
- Average
- Hardiness
- USDA 5–9
Sizes & prices
- #1$14.99
- 3.5"Call for price
Catalog updated September 8, 2026. This is not a live stock count; please call to confirm availability and price.
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Resistance & tolerances
- Deer
- Generally resistant; not browse-proof.
- Wet soil
- Needs good drainage, especially in winter.
Resistance is not a guarantee; deer and rabbits may browse any plant.
Keep in mind: Red Baron can revert to all-green cogongrass growth, which spreads aggressively. Remove and securely dispose of any fully green shoots as soon as they appear; do not let them establish or set seed.
Seasonal interest
- Habit
- Slowly spreading, upright perennial grass.
- Foliage
- Green with red tips in spring; increasingly red through summer.
Growing & care
- Soil
- Well-drained soil.
- Pruning
- Cut back dormant foliage in late winter; remove any entirely green shoots as soon as noticed.
- Caution
- The green species is invasive; do not let reverted shoots persist or spread.
Sources & photo credits
University of Missouri Extension
Photo: wallygrom · CC BY-SA 2.0
Reviewed October 1, 2026. Growing conditions vary by location.