Happy Urban Dirt

Are you looking for a plant for your garden that will cover you and give you that “something” special? So why not take a look at Imperata cylindrica? This is a plant that attracts a lot of attention due to the reddish hue of the tips of its leaves.

Want to learn more about her? Do you know what your care involves? If so, read on because we have prepared a file for you about its properties and care.

What does Imperata cylindrica look like?

Imperata cylindrica is also known by other names such as Imperata cylindrica red baron, Japanese red grass, Imperata cylindrica rubra, cogon grass, marciega, blood grass, cisca.. And yes, before you think about it, I’ll add that it comes from Japan.

It is an evergreen grass or herb that grows in tufts of shrubs consisting of green, upright leaves, but with a special property – their tips are red, to the point that they change color depending on the season. (In the fall it is one of the most lovely plants that exist).

Flowering of this plant does not occur frequently, and when it does, frosty air is required for it to occur.. For this reason, although many may consider it not very pleasant for the garden, the red hue, in contrast to the green, makes it already attractive enough to place in the garden. It grows to a meter high and about 70 centimeters wide. Nevertheless, if you are lucky enough to have it bloom for you, it will do so in September or October, and the flowers can be white with silver tones.

However, it should be remembered that Imperata cylindrica is a plant that has a reputation for being invasive, because it grows quite quickly and gains the space where you plant it. For this reason, it can be kept in the garden, but with barriers that prevent it from encroaching on the space of other plants or the pot.

Avoid cylindrical orders

Now that you know a little more about what Imperata cylindrica is, how about we talk about care? It’s not a very complicated plant. But as a grass, which it is, it needs to know its peculiarities.

location and temperature

Let’s start with location. Imperata cylindrica is a plant that requires an outdoor location. In this sense, it can be in partial shade or direct sun. What does it depend on? Basically, on the weather you have. If it is chilly or balmy, you can leave it in direct sun and thus enjoy the tonal changes it experiences. If, on the other hand, it is balmy and in summer it is too scorching, partial shade would be better so that the peak hours do not burn the tips (which is the most lovely thing about this plant).

As for temperature, it tolerates both increases and decreases. It is said to withstand temperatures down to -15ºC.. Nevertheless, in the first years we would advise you to protect it, at least the soil, to prevent it from freezing and to adapt well to the climate where you have it.

Subsoil

Imperata cylindrica is not a very demanding plant in this respect. Except for one detail: it does not like limestone soil. Therefore, try to provide it with soil affluent in nutrients, lithe and, of course, drained.

You should give it soil with a neutral pH. Therefore, a mixture with very nutritious soil and perlite or something similar will be ideal.

As we mentioned earlier, Imperata cylindrica is a plant that you can have in your garden or in a pot. In the case of the garden, before planting the plant, it’s a good idea to throw some manure or compost into the hole to nourish that part of the soil (in addition to mixing it with the soil you’re using to anchor the plant to the ground).

In the case of a pot, this won’t be so necessary.

Irrigation

Depending on the weather, where you place it, etc. you will need to water it more or less. Generally, this is medium watering and The soil must always be slightly humid, but don’t overdo it, because it might start to rot.

We can therefore say that in spring and summer you will need to water the plant two or three times a week, while in autumn and winter it will be enough to water it once a week or once every two weeks.

Subscriber

Before we tell you a little about fertilization when planting. But what next? Being a perennial plant, Imperata cylindrica appreciates that from time to time, especially in spring and summer, that is, during its growth period, recent nutrients are supplied.

We recommend that you go for manure or compost to feed it in the garden. But if you have it in a pot, it may be better to employ a liquid fertilizer that you mix with your irrigation water.

pruning

In this aspect you should not worry at all because unless you see it very badly you should not prune it. Remember that it is a perennial plant and the only thing that needs to be cut is the sight of leaves that are burnt, in penniless condition, withered…

Plagues and diseases

In terms of pests and diseases, Imperata cylindrica is not a plant that is often attacked. First, because it is a herb and is not usually attacked; second, because it does not flower, it does not attract birds. However, you may have trouble with snails or slugs that want to feed on it.

When it comes to diseases, Perhaps the most significant of these concern excess or lack of water and lighting.

Multiplication

Do you want to propagate Imperata cylindrica? We said earlier that it is an invasive plant, which means that it grows in bushes and spreads. And that helps you propagate it.

All you need to do is divide the bush in autumn and winter and transplant it into different pots. (or in different parts of the garden).

Now you know what Imperata cylindrica is and what it needs. Would you like to have it in your garden?