Japanese forest grass
Hakonechloa macra
RHS AGM 2012
USDA zones5 to 9
SunHandles full sun to full shade
WaterHandles moderate to moist soil
Size12 to 18 inches tall12 to 24 inches wide
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Habit
- Arching
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Yellow-green
- Foliage color
- Gold/yellow, green, variegated, white
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Notes
Japanese forest grass (Hakonechloa macra) is a grass for borders, containers, shade gardens, and woodland plantings. It is hardy to USDA zone 5, or down to -20°F (-29°C). This plant likes full sun to full shade and average to moist soil of most types. It grows slowly into an arching mound of gold, green, and variegated leaves. Deer tend to pass it by. Give it a spot where the soft, flowing shape can show.
Pairs well with Sum and Substance hosta, Christmas fern, Foam flower, and Oakleaf hydrangea.
Native range
Asia.