Red ornamental grass isn’t just a garden accessory; it’s a bold statement of nature’s artistry.
Picture this: the wind gently caressing the slender blades of vibrant red grasses, creating a mesmerizing dance of colors.
Not only do these plants bring a touch of drama to any garden, but they also serve practical purposes, such as providing privacy and enhancing the landscape with their ornamental grasses red color.
Let’s dive into the world of red ornamental grasses and discover why they’re a must-have in your garden!
A Must Read: 25 Plants for Around the Pool
10 Stunning Red Ornamental Grasses for Privacy
Incorporating red ornamental grasses into your garden is a surefire way to create a visually stunning and functional space.
These grasses not only add a pop of red color but also serve as natural screens, providing privacy and a sense of seclusion.
Here are ten beautiful red grasses ornamental that will elevate your garden’s aesthetic and offer practical benefits.
1. Red Baron Japanese Blood Grass (Imperata cylindrica ‘Red Baron’)
Red Baron Japanese Blood Grass is a showstopper with its striking red-tipped blades.
Perfect for borders or as a ground cover, this grass thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It reaches up to 18 inches in height and is ideal for USDA hardiness zones 5-9.
Plant it along a pool or fence line for a dramatic effect.
2. Shenandoah Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum ‘Shenandoah’)
Shenandoah Switchgrass is a versatile, low-maintenance grass that starts with green foliage and transitions to deep red in the fall.
It’s perfect for adding height and texture to your garden, reaching up to 4 feet tall. This grass prefers full sun to partial shade and is suitable for zones 4-9.
The grass thrives in moist, well-drained soil and makes a fantastic privacy screen.
3. Cheyenne Sky Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum ‘Cheyenne Sky’)
Cheyenne Sky Switchgrass boasts burgundy-red foliage that intensifies as the season progresses.
It grows up to 3 feet tall and is ideal for creating a colorful backdrop in gardens. This grass is drought-tolerant and thrives in zones 4-9, making it an excellent choice for various climates.
Plant it around pools or along fences for a pop of red color.
4. Red Fountain Grass (Pennisetum setaceum ‘Rubrum’)
Red Fountain Grass is known for its arching burgundy foliage and feathery plumes. This ornamental grass can reach up to 4 feet in height and prefers full sun.
It’s perfect for adding texture and color to gardens in zones 8-11.
While it’s not winter-hardy in cooler climates, it can be grown as an annual or in pots, making it versatile for various garden settings.
5. Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa macra ‘Beni-kaze’)
Japanese Forest Grass, also known as Beni-kaze is one of the notable ornamental grasses red color.
The grass offers a unique combination of green and red foliage. It’s a low-growing grass, reaching up to 18 inches in height, making it perfect for borders or as a ground cover.
This grass prefers partial to full shade and thrives in zones 5-9. Its delicate blades add a graceful touch to any garden setting.
6. Purple Love Grass (Eragrostis spectabilis)
Purple Love Grass is among the red grasses ornamental that features fine-textured foliage with a reddish-purple hue.
This grass forms dense clumps and produces airy seed heads that sway in the breeze. It’s perfect for naturalizing in meadows or as a border plant.
Purple Love Grass thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, suitable for zones 5-9.
7. Ruby Crystals Grass (Melinis nerviglumis)
Ruby Crystals Grass stands out with its ruby-red flower heads that appear in late summer. The grass itself has a bluish-green hue, creating a beautiful contrast.
This ornamental grass prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It’s ideal for zones 8-10 and can be grown in pots or as an annual in cooler climates.
Use it as a focal point in your garden for a burst of red color.
8. Red Rooster Sedge (Carex buchananii)
Another ornamental grasses red to consider is Red Rooster Sedge. This red ornamental grass is a unique thanks to its fine-texture and reddish-brown foliage.
It adds a distinct architectural element to gardens with its upright growth habit. This grass prefers full sun to partial shade and is suitable for zones 7-9.
The grass thrives in moist, well-drained soil and is perfect for adding a touch of drama to any garden setting.
9. Blood Grass (Imperata cylindrica)
Blood Grass is a striking red ornamental grass with bright red blades that intensify as the season progresses.
This grass grows up to 2 feet tall and is perfect for creating bold borders or mass plantings. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil and is suitable for zones 6-9.
Plant it along fences or as a front of yard focal point in your garden for a stunning display.
10. New Zealand Hair Sedge (Carex comans ‘Bronze Form’)
New Zealand Hair Sedge features bronze-red foliage that adds a unique color to any garden. This grass grows in low, tufted clumps, reaching up to 1 foot in height.
It prefers full sun to partial shade and is suitable for zones 7-9. This grass is perfect for adding texture and color to borders, rock gardens, or containers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can red ornamental grasses grow in containers?
A: Yes, many red ornamental grasses can be grown in containers, making them versatile for various garden settings. Be sure to choose a large enough container to accommodate the root system and provide adequate drainage.
Q2: Do red ornamental grasses require a lot of maintenance?
A: Most red ornamental grasses are low-maintenance and require minimal care. They typically need regular watering, especially during dry periods, and occasional trimming to remove dead or damaged foliage.
Q3: Can red ornamental grasses survive winter?
A: The hardiness of red ornamental grasses varies depending on the species. Some, like Red Fountain Grass, are not winter-hardy in cooler climates and must be grown as annuals or brought indoors. Others, like Shenandoah Switchgrass, can withstand colder temperatures and survive winter.
Q4: Where is the best place to plant red ornamental grasses?
A: Red ornamental grasses thrive in various locations, including along fences, around pools, or as border plants. They generally prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Be sure to choose a location that suits the specific needs of the grass species you’re planting.
Final Thoughts
Red ornamental grasses are a vibrant and versatile addition to any garden, offering both aesthetic appeal and functional benefits.
Whether you’re looking to create a natural privacy screen, add color and texture, or simply enjoy the beauty of ornamental grasses red, these stunning plants are an excellent choice.