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Japanese Blood Grass (Imperata cylindrica 'Rubra')

AKA: Satintail and Cogon Grass

Japanese Blood Grass

Japanese Blood Grass

Photo: © Marie Iannotti (2008) licensed to About.com, Inc.

Isn't this a stunning grass? But beauty comes at a price. It's not hardy in my Zone 5 garden, so I have to purchase it new every year. And gardeners in the Deep South can't purchase it at all, because it's invasive there. It's a runner, so if you live in a marginal area, keep it contained and don't let it go to seed. But if you live in a colder climate, the way the blade tips catch the light is absolutely mesmerizing.

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