Japanese blood grass is an ornamental grass that prefers well-drained, moist soil and partial shade. It gets its name from its long, pointed leaves that are bright red from summer through fall. Grayish-white flower clusters sometimes appear in late summer. Propagation is through division in the spring. At this time, cut old growth back to about 4-6 inches. Brown blades should be removed after the first frost.
Japanese blood grass is perfect for borders, planters and in rock gardens. If not contained, and without proper maintenance, it is invasive; it will spread and form a dense sod. Extreme heat and drought should be avoided. Except for an occasional slug, there are no disease or pest problems. For areas with erosion, the invasive tendencies of this grass are beneficial.