Position – Full sun or part shade
Soil – Well-drained
Flowering Period – Summer
Hardiness – Hardy
Imperata are deciduous perennial grasses, most commonly known as Japanese blood grass. Flat, upright spears are brightly coloured in shades of red, orange and green with often small silvery flowers that appear during late summer. Imperata are best suited to flower beds and borders within a courtyard, cottage or informal garden setting. You should expect to see Imperata grow to an approximate height of 50cm (20”) and a spread of 30cm (12”).
Imperata are best planted in well-drained soil of clay or loam within an acidic, alkaline or neutral PH balance. Dig a hole that is twice the depth and width of your plant and position in place securely, back filling the soil and watering thoroughly. They are best positioned in a sheltered area of full sun or in part shade.
Cut Imperata down to the ground during late winter/early spring. They will need some form of winter protection and in colder areas it may be necessary to mulch with straw or well-rotted compost. If you are growing Imperata in a container, you will need to ensure the soil is kept moist throughout active growth.
It is possible to propagate Imperata by division during the spring.
