General Culture:
Grow in average, medium moisture, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Best foliage color in full sun. Clumps spread slowly by underground runners. Cut to ground in early spring.
Noteworthy Characteristics:
Japanese bloodgrass is a clump-forming, ornamental grass which features erect, thin blades (1/4" wide) typically growing 12-18" tall. The upper half of each blade turns a garnet red in summer with the red color often deepening toward burgundy as the growing season progresses. Grass remains attractive until late autumn and then goes dormant in winter. Rarely if ever flowers.
Problems:
No serious insect or disease problems. This cultivar is considerably tamer than the species which is very invasive and has now been classified by the U.S. government as a noxious weed (cannot be legally sold). In the event this grass reverts to the species (blades turn entirely green), it should be immediately removed from the garden and destroyed.
Uses:
Borders, rock gardens, edging plant, accent or massed as a ground cover. Foliage color can be superb when backlit by early morning or late day sun. Also good for patio containers or tubs.
© Missouri Botanical
Garden, 2001-2009
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