Also known as Japanese Blood Grass · 139 gardener saves
Imperata: the varieties gardeners actually grow
Imperata, the genus most gardeners know as japanese blood grass. We track 2 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 2 most-saved Imperata varieties
Of 2 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
Imperata questions
How many types of Imperata are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 2 distinct Imperata varieties. The most popular — ranked by 139 real gardener saves — are shown first above.
What zones does Imperata grow in?
Across its varieties, Imperata covers USDA Zones 5–9. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Imperata bloom?
Most Imperata varieties bloom in late summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Imperata should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.
Keep exploring
Imperata shows up in
By hardiness zone
Design with Imperata in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
