Imperata cylindrica 'Rubra'
Light: Morning sun with afternoon shade in Phoenix. Strong light improves red coloring, but intense afternoon sun and reflected heat can scorch foliage.
Water: Moderate to high water needs in Phoenix; keep the root zone evenly moist but not waterlogged. Not suitable for low-water desert planting.
Soil: Moist, well-drained soil enriched with compost. Avoid compacted soil, standing water, and excessively dry gravel beds.
Mature size: Typically 1–2 feet tall and 1–2 feet wide initially; underground rhizomes can spread beyond the original planting.
Bloom: Red cultivars rarely flower; any blooms generally appear in late spring or summer.
Evergreen / deciduous: Generally deciduous to semi-evergreen in mild winters; foliage may brown and die back during cold weather or stress.
Growth rate: Moderate for red cultivars with adequate moisture; green reversions can spread aggressively.