Hakonechloa–commonly called Japanese forest grass or Hakone grass–is a graceful, slender clump-forming perennial grass. It has arching stems that grow 18 inches 945cm) tall or more. A species called ‘Aureola’ is commonly grown; its leaves are bright yellow with narrow green stripes. There is a solid green species that is less often grown.
Hakonechloa has the effect of a tiny bamboo. It spreads slowly by underground runners. The loose, nodding leaves produce 3 to 5-flowered spikelets. Leaves can become red-flushed in autumn and that color can persist into winter.
Hakonechloa is a good choice for woodland or rock gardens or partially shady gardens or for close viewing in containers.
Hankonechloa is a genus of one species. It is native to wooded areas of Japan.
Get to Know Hakonechloa
- Plant type: Deciduous perennial
- Growing zones and range: Zones 5 to 9.
- Hardiness: Hardy to Zone 5
- Height and width: To 14 inches (35cm) tall and 16 inches (40cm) wide
- Growth rate: Slow
- Form and habit: Rhizomatous, clump-forming
- Foliage: Arching, bamboo-like foliage, 1.5 foot (.5m) long, slender with green stripes
- Flowers: Small panicles of flowers borne among leaves
- Bloom time: Mid- to late summer
- Uses: Woodland, rock garden, at the front of herbaceous border, courtyard garden
- Garden companions:
- Common name: Japanese forest grass, Hakone grass
- Botanical name: Hakonechloa
- Family name: Poaceae
- Origin: Japan
Where to Plant Hakonechloa
- Plant Hakonechloa full sun or partial shade.
- Plant Hakonechloa in fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil.
When to Plant Hakonechloa
- Set container-grown Hakonechloa in the garden in spring or autumn.
Planting and Spacing Hakonechloa
- Plant Hakonechloa 16 inches (40cm) apart.
How to Water and Feed Hakonechloa
- Give Hakonechloa regular water.
- Feed Hakonechloa with an all-purpose organic fertilizer in spring.
How to Care for Hakonechloa
- Cut Hakonechloa back in spring.
Hakonechloa Pests and Diseases
- Pests and diseases are infrequent.
Hakonechloa Propagation
- Divide Hakonechloa in spring.
- Hakonechloa can be grown from seed.
Hakonechloa Varieties to Grow
- Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’, perennial grass, spreading, slowly to form mounds of arching, linear leaves, to 10 inches (25cm) long. Leaves are bright yellow with narrow green stripes, becoming red-flushed in autumn, the color often persisting into winter. From late summer to mid-autumn, bears needle-like, pale green spikelets in open panicles, to 7 inches (18cm) long. 14 inches (35cm) tall and 16 inches (40cm) wide. Zones 5 to 9.
