Overview
Imperata cylindrica 'Rubra' is a tufted grass like in the genus Imperata, part of the Poaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Imperata cylindrica 'Rubra' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates clay and loam soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. It is low maintenance. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, patio and container plants, low maintenance and flower borders and beds.
About
Imperata cylindrica 'Rubra' (cogon grass 'Rubra' or Japanese blood grass) is a deciduous, tufted grass-like plant from the genus Imperata in the Poaceae family. It grows to a height and spread of 0.1 to 0.5 metres, reaching full size within 2 to 5 years. This low-maintenance cultivar thrives in full sun or partial shade and adapts well to various soil types, including clay and loam, across a range of pH levels. It prefers moist but well-drained to well-drained soils and can be grown in both exposed and sheltered aspects, making it suitable for south, west, or east-facing locations. It offers seasonal interest from spring through winter.
About the genus
Imperata is a small but widespread genus of tropical and subtropical grasses, commonly known as satintails.
Wikipedia contributors, "Imperata", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Imperata
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Imperata
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Imperata cylindrica 'Rubra' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Grass Like
- Habit
- Tufted
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Low Maintenance, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Imperata cylindrica 'Rubra'
- Propagation
- Division in spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Imperata cylindrica 'Rubra'?
Imperata cylindrica 'Rubra' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Imperata cylindrica 'Rubra' need?
Imperata cylindrica 'Rubra' grows best in clay and loam soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
How big does Imperata cylindrica 'Rubra' grow?
Imperata cylindrica 'Rubra' reaches a height of 0.1-0.5 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Imperata cylindrica 'Rubra' hardy in the UK?
Imperata cylindrica 'Rubra' has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Imperata cylindrica 'Rubra'?
Division in spring.
More in the Imperata genus
Browse all Imperata →
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