About this cultivar:
Imperata cylindrica 'Rubra' has blood-red spikes that fade to bright green at the base and become transluscent with age. A spectacular addition to the perennial border. It takes a while to get going, but in late summer, it glows like a fire before it dies back. It is particularly effective planted with other grasses.
- Position: Full sun, partial shade
- Soil: Almost any soil, grows well in Ballyrobert!
- Flowers: June, July, August, September, October, November, December
- Other features: -
- Hardiness: Fully hardy - grows well in Ballyrobert!
- Habit: Clump forming, Tufted
- Foliage: Deciduous
- Height: 30 - 60 cm (1 - 2 ft)
- Spread: 30 - 60 cm (1 - 2 ft)
- Time to full growth: 2 to 5 years
- Plant type: Herbaceous Perennial, Grass like
- Colour: Yellow, green, red
- Goes well with: Other grasses, Geranium or Achillea. Also try them on their own!
About this genus:
Imperata is a small genus of grasses commonly known as satin-tails. It is named after Ferrante Imperato, a Renaissance apothecary whose collection included a herbarium. Imperata species are perennial rhizomatous grasses native to the tropics and warm temperate regions worldwide. They bear solid, erect stems and silky inflorescences. The best known species is Imperata cylindrica, which is recognized as a devastating noxious weed in many places and cultivated as an ornamental plant in others! In our garden, the latter. We find they grow fine in a wide variety of soils and situations - just keep them out of full shade and puddles.
As for plant partners; try other grasses, Geranium or Achillea.