Hakonechloa macra 'All Gold' |
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Photo Courtesy of Walters Gardens, Inc.
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| | Common Name: Grass-Ornamental
Common Name (Alternative): Hakone Grass, Japanese Forest Grass |
A brilliant grass that absolutely glows in the shade! This all-gold version of H. macra is brighter in color than Hak. m. 'Aureola', has a more upright habit, and is reportedly a more vigorous grower. It tends to be more chartreuse in heavier shade, and brighter gold in more sun.
Though this grass does spread by stolons, it is a slow grower and will not rapidly overtake its neighbors. Plant it where it can cascade down slopes, drape over rocks, crawl over the edges of walls, at the front of the garden, or even in containers.
Hakonechloa is grown mainly for its beautiful foliage, though it does produce seed heads. Tiny, inconspicuous reddish brown flower spiklets appear in airy clusters from late summer thru early fall.
Origin: Not Native to North America
Characteristics:
Height:
9-14 Inches
Spread:
18-24 Inches
Flower Color:
Tan shades
Foliage Color:
Yellow shades
Sun or Shade?:
Part shade (4-6 hrs. direct sun)
Full shade (< 4 hrs. direct sun)
Wet or dry?:
Average water needs
Consistent water needs
Need critter resistant plants?:
Deer resistant
How fast should it grow?:
Slow
When should it bloom?:
Late summer
Early fall
Grown for its attractive foliage
Looking for seasonal interest?:
Fall Color
How's your soil?:
Average Soil
Fertile Soil
Sweet or Sour Soil?:
Acidic Soil (pH < 7.0)
Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0)
What's your garden style?:
Container/Patio
Woodland/Shade
Asian
Eclectic
Hakonechloa is most at home in shaded, woodland environments where the soil is rich and loamy. This grass will not grow in poorly drained soil, heavy clay, or very dry soils. Part to full shade is best; full hot sun tends to scorch the leaves.
Since it is such a slow grower, it will not be necessary to divide this grass for many years. However, division is easily accomplished and may be done in spring or fall. In zones 5-6, mulch it with fall leaves to a depth of about 2 feet and cover the pile with branches to keep the mulch in place. In southern zones, this mulch is not necessary. In early spring, remove the leaves and cut back last year's foliage to allow room for the new growth.
The name Hakonechloa dissected:
"Hakone" is the area near Mt. Fuji in Japan where this grass is found growing naturally.
"chloa" means "grass".
Thus, Hakonechloa means "grass from Japan".