You may think this an odd combination, but it was brought about when I ran across this excellent photo on the web. Ever since I saw this, I've been intrigued by it. Maybe you will be, too.
The True Grass - Imperata cylindrica
There are about seven species of perennials constituting the genus Imperata, native to temperate and tropical regions of the Old World. They belong to the family of grasses, Graminea (alternatively Poaceae).
The species Imperata cylindrica, also known as cogon grass, alang-alang, blady grass, and satintail, is a serious weed in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. It reproduces rapidly by both rhizomes and seeds. Once established, it displaces other vegetation and is difficult to erradicate. It is considered the worst perennial grass weed of southern and eastern Asia and one of the ten worst weeds worldwide.
Luckily for northerners, it won't thrive north of North Carolina, but it's a real problem in Florida. It's on the noxious weed list in several places and there have been exchanges on various gardening lists indicating concern about planting the two cultivars that are grown in gardens. Not to worry! Neither of these is a menace.
Imperata cylindrica 'Red Baron' is one of the two deciduous cultivars grown in gardens. The other is I. c. 'rubra'. These are similar except that 'rubra' appears to have a more uniformly red leaf. The leaves on 'Red Baron' are green at the base and have red tips whose color intensifies late in the season. It's most dramatic if you can site it so it is backlit by the sun.
Neither of these sets seed as far as I know, or have heard tell, and, although they are rhizomatous, they are not aggressive. The clump that I had in my USDA zone 7 garden lasted for several years until it got crowded out by other plants when I wasn't paying attention. By the time I noticed, it was reduced to two mingy bits. I tried moving them to a better location, but it was too late and they did not survive.
Japanese bloodgrass is not picky about soil as long as it drains well and even tolerates poor soils. These are not grasses for heavy shade, but in warm climates, they do quite well in and really need partial shade. In cool climates, you need to give them more sun. They are rated hardy from USDA zones 6-9, but I have read comments from people in USDA zone 5 who grow this grass successfully. Some say it needs no extra protection in zone 5 and some say it needs heavy mulching and is tricky to get through the first couple of years; after which it does fine. So, if you are north of its rated hardiness zone, try it with protection - it may work for you. If it's happy, it will get about two feet (60.96 cm) tall. Clumps can reach eighteen inches (45.72 cm) in diameter - but this kind of girth will take a while to achieve.
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