Imperata cylindrica 'Red Baron'

A short deciduous, perennial ornamental grass growing to 0.5m tall and slowly spreading to around 0.5m wide.

Leaves are long, slender and upright. Leaves are produced green but quickly turn blood red especially at the tips.

Prefers full sun to part shade in moist but well-drained soil. If this grass gets a warm summer then it should flower too.

Always choose healthy, well-grown plants and plant after autumn rains. Before planting, ensure the root ball is saturated and remove the planter bag or pot with minimal root disturbance. Trim any broken roots and plant at the same level as in the container. Dig a hole twice the diameter of the root ball and firm in and water once planted. Make sure plants are watered well until established if planting in a drier period. Plant with some general slow-release fertiliser and then every spring apply an organic-based fertiliser such as blood and bone at a handful per square metre as new growth begins.

Apply an organic mulch annually to help suppress weeds and conserve moisture. Feed annually in spring with a balanced fertiliser such as blood and bone at a handful per square metre in spring as new growth begins. Divide larger plants carefully in spring or early summer.

Generally trouble-free.

Magnolia Garden