This is a grass I would love to identify. Its story and anecdotal info is in the link. Ta, and thanks. 
https://m.facebook.com/groups/2729249843814192/permalink/32063664723279315/?
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We will send your photos off to VIMGA for their input. Thanks!
Thanks so much! I am looking forward to their reply.
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Many thanks to Milner Gardens & Woodland’s Gardening Advice line, a partnership between Vancouver Island University’s Milner Gardens & Woodland and the Vancouver Island Master Gardeners Association for the following answer:
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Hi Wynn,
Thank you for this question about your mystery plant. Based on the photo and the information you’ve provided, the best answer for an identification of your plant is Imperata cylindrica var. ‘Red Baron’ or ‘Rubra’, best known in English regions as Japanese Blood Grass.
Both varieties have bright green spring growth and develop their red colouration starting at the tips and extending down throughout the growing season. Red Baron has a brighter cranberry colouration and the Rubra variety tends to be more burgundy. The parent (wild) species of these cultivars, Imperata cylindrica, is listed on the Global Invasive Species Database as one of the top 10 most invasive species in the world. The cultivars however, are not considered to be anywhere near as aggressive and are sold at most nurseries as an attractive ornamental grass.
Although this grass is tolerant of a wide range of habitats, it does best in a well-drained soil. It’s possible that the rot you had in your plants could be from using a soil that retains more moisture than this grass prefers. If that’s the case, you can try mixing your soil with a bit more sand and planting it in an area where it isn’t overly wet for long periods, or grow it in containers with an appropriate soil mix. The grass will spread by underground rhizomes over time so you should consider using physical barriers to limit its spread, like growing in containers or placing it between your house and a cement walkway, for instance. Our personal experience of it is that it is not particularly invasive and can actually be rather slow growing. The rhizomes are also very close to the surface and very easy to pull out if your patch gets too big.
If you want to know more about this grass and its mother species, there are a few links below to scientifically reliable sources.
I hope you continue to enjoy your beautiful grass and thank you for contacting us.
References:
Global Invasive Species Database. GISD
Missouri Botanical Garden. Imperata cylindrica 'Rubra' - Plant Finder
University of Wisconsin, Extension. Japanese Bloodgrass, Imperata cylindrica var. rubra – Wisconsin Horticulture
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Thanks so much for the ID and information, I appreciate it! Sounds like I should keep in the planter, lo. I love the colour and form tho.
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