Back

Hakonechloa macra 'Naomi' PP19897

Add To Wishlist
   
Photo Courtesy of Walters Gardens, Inc.
 Common Name: Grass-Ornamental
Common Name (Alternative): Hakone Grass or Japanese Forest Grass

Excellent fall color sets this cultivar apart from H. m. 'Aureola'.  The creamy yellow and green variegated leaves become flushed with reddish-purple tones in fall.  The color is most pronounced in cool weather. 

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.

Breeder: Olivier Bennato

Origin: Not Native to North America

Characteristics:



Height:
  8-16 Inches
Spread:
  18-24 Inches
Flower Color:
  Tan shades
Foliage Color:
  Variegated
Hardiness Zone:
5,6,7,8,9
Find Your Zone
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
  Mid-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

Attributes:

Border plants
Container
Edging
Mass Planting
Specimen or focal point

Homeowner Growing & Maintenance Tips:

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. 

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.


Companions:

Common/Botanical Name
Zones  
Alchemilla mollis
Common Name: Lady's Mantle
3,4,5,6,7
Add To Wishlist
Tiarella 'Sugar and Spice' PP16738 COPF
Common Name: Foamflower
4,5,6,7,8,9
Add To Wishlist
Astilbe 'August Light' ('Augustleuchten')
Common Name: Astilbe-Hybrid
4,5,6,7,8,9
Add To Wishlist
Ajuga reptans 'Black Scallop' PP15815 COPF
Common Name: Bugleweed
4,5,6,7,8,9,10
Add To Wishlist
Heuchera 'Encore' PP19578
Common Name: Coral Bells
4,5,6,7,8,9
Add To Wishlist
Hosta 'Red October'
Common Name: Hosta
3,4,5,6,7,8,9
Add To Wishlist

While every effort has been made to describe this plant accurately, please keep in mind that the height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates throughout the country. The description of this plant was written based on our experience growing it in Michigan (USDA hardiness zone 5) and on numerous outside resources.