Imperata cylindrica 'Red Baron' JAPANESE BLOOD GRASS makes a walk in the garden a natural light show when morning or evening sunlight angles through these red blades. Although at times finicky in this area, its demand continues surviving well in some places and worth replacing in others. Sprouting bright green blades with red tips becoming redder at its mature height. Plant in moist soil of moderate fertility, especially heavy and wet, in lots of sun. Loses color in light shade. If this cultivar reverts to its green form, remove immediately, for reversions can be very invasive. The aggressive nature of the green reverted form is alledgedly true when grown in the deep southern United States. In my experience up here in zone 6 on the northern border of N.J. and southern N.Y., a good solid stand of Imperata c. 'Red Barron' would be enviable. It is slow growing in the nursery and over time I've only seen a few decent stands that seemed to take half a hold in local gardens. Yet this, to my knowledge slow growing gem (when grown here), is currently under scrutiny as a problem plant. A good substitute grass as far as color is Panicum v. 'Shenandoah'.