How to Grow Japanese Blood Grass

Japanese blood grass has 1- to 2-foot spikes, tipped in a vibrant red. Planted with marigolds or coreopsis, the colors can be striking. In fall, the blades turn a brown that adds color and interest to your winter garden. Follow these easy steps to enjoy your Japanese blood grass for years to come.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Japanese blood grass
• Shovel
• Water
• Mulch or other organic material

1. Choose your planting site. Japanese blood grass prefer full sun and moist, well-drained soil. The grass tips become vibrant red in full sun. Japanese blood grass will grow in partial sunlight, but it will be less dramatically colored.
2. Dig your planting hole about 18 inches and at least triple the width of the plant root ball.
3. Check the depth of the planting hole by replacing enough of the original soil so the top of the root ball is even with the ground. The plant is still in the container for this step.
4. Remove the Japanese blood grass from the container by gently tapping the side of the container and loosening the roots.
5. Place the blood grass in the planting hole being careful to spread out the roots. Fill planting hole with water and allow soil to absorb.
6. Backfill the original soil into the planting hole and water well.
7. Spread a 2 to 3 inch layer of mulch or other organic material around the planting site.

Tips & Warnings

• Unlike other ornamental grasses, Japanese blood grass expands by rhizomes. With lots of sun and water, it will spread over any available space.
• Like other ornamental grasses, trim this plant back in late winter or early spring.
• If you enjoy it, but want to keep it confined, grow the grass in a container on your porch or patio.
• Japanese Blood grass can fill an area and be quite aggressive. Be sure to plant it where you want it to spread.

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