Ruby Grass is a tropical African native that brings jewel-toned drama to any garden, transforming from ruby-red plumes to soft buff as summer progresses into fall. Hardy in zones 8-10 and grown as an annual in cooler climates, this compact ornamental reaches 18-24 inches tall with striking blue-green foliage that deepens to purple-red as temperatures drop. The silky flower panicles emerge in July and August, creating a showy display that evolves throughout the season, while the plant tolerates heat and drought with minimal maintenance once established.
Full Sun
Moderate
8-10
24in H x 18in W
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High
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The true magic of Ruby Grass lies in its color-shifting flowers, which transform from deep ruby pink to pale buff over the growing season, creating months of dynamic visual interest in the garden. Growing just 18-24 inches tall with a compact, tufted form, it fits seamlessly into borders, containers, or landscape designs without overwhelming neighboring plants. The glaucous blue-green foliage provides striking contrast even before the flowers appear, and the foliage itself turns purple-red in autumn, extending the ornamental season well into fall.
Ruby Grass functions primarily as a landscape design element, valued for its ornamental flower plumes and dramatic foliage color changes throughout the season. Its compact growth habit and showy flowers make it well-suited for annual garden displays, container cultivation, and border plantings where its seasonal color transitions can be appreciated up close.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Start seed indoors 6-8 weeks before your last frost date. Maintain soil temperatures between 50-70°F for germination. Transplant seedlings outdoors after the last frost date has passed.
Set plants out after the last frost date. Harden off seedlings gradually before moving them to their permanent garden location.
Sow seed directly in the garden after the last frost date.
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