Setaria italica Red Jewel – ornamental grass with ruby-red plumes and cutting value

Setaria italica Red Jewel is a spectacular ornamental grass variety that displays its charm in both the garden and in bouquets and flower arrangements. This ornamental grass is known for its deep red, bushy plumes, robust growth, and versatile uses. Ideal for borders, rock gardens, pots, and as a cut flower, the Red Jewel cultivar adds color, texture, and movement to any setting.

Characteristics of Setaria italica Red Jewel

Setaria italica Red Jewel distinguishes itself by:

• Leaves: narrow, light green, gracefully curved

• Flowering: bushy plumes in deep ruby ​​red, from late summer to autumn

• Height: 80–130 cm, ideal for medium to tall borders and striking flower arrangements

• Growth habit: bushy and upright, forming elegant clusters that move in the wind

• Location: full sun to partial shade; well-drained soil

These qualities make Red Jewel a striking eye-catcher in the garden and a versatile cut flower with long-lasting decorative value.

Benefits of Setaria italica Red Jewel

This ornamental grass offers several advantages:

1. Low maintenance – drought tolerant and requires minimal care

2. Ornamental value – ruby ​​red plumes and graceful leaves add texture, height and color

3. Versatile – suitable for borders, rock gardens, pots and as a cut flower

4. Winter hardy – resistant to mild frost; stems and plumes often retain their structure in winter

5. Ecological – provides shelter and food for birds and small insects

Thanks to these properties, Red Jewel is both functional and decorative in the garden and indoors as a cut flower.

Use as cut flower

Setaria italica Red Jewel is ideal for vasework and dried flowers:

• Cutting thickness: sturdy stems suitable for bouquets and flower arrangements

• Shelf life: several days in a vase; plumes can also be dried for long-lasting decoration

• Combinations: can be beautifully combined with perennials, other ornamental grasses or dried flowers.

• Effect: Adds height, texture and a rich ruby ​​red color to flower arrangements.

The striking colour and bushy shape make Red Jewel a real eye-catcher in bouquets and arrangements.

Location and care

For optimal growth in the garden:

• Sunlight: full sun for the most beautiful leaf and plume color

• Soil: well-drained; tolerates dry to moderately moist soil

• Watering: Water regularly during drought; once established the grass is drought tolerant

• Maintenance: Cut back old stems and leaves in spring for new fresh growth

• Propagation: simply by division of the root ball

For cut flower use: cut stems preferably early in the morning or late in the evening and remove any excess foliage that ends up in the vase.

Application in garden and flower arrangements

Setaria italica Red Jewel can be used in various ways:

• Borders – adds height, texture and a ruby ​​red color

• Rock gardens – robust and drought tolerant, ideal for natural gardens

• Pots and containers – easy to maintain and decorative

• Combinations – with other ornamental grasses, perennials or cut flowers for a layered effect

• Cut flowers – in bouquets, vase arrangements or dried flower decorations

The grass brings liveliness, structure and a striking colour to both the garden and indoors.