GARDEN NEWS : Blood Grass Available

A grass that was rare is becoming more available, now that one of the largest wholesale growers, Hines Nurseries, produces it. Japanese blood grass, Imperata cylindrica ‘Rubra,’ looks like broken shards of stained glass when back lit in the garden. Each blade is green, turning to translucent red, and it is most dramatic planted in front of the sun. It spreads very slowly in Southern California to make small, 18-inch tall clumps and goes completely deciduous in winter. It takes ordinary watering.