Introducing...
Hakonechloa
Botanical name: Hakonechloa
Common name: Japanese forest grass
These low, cascading grasses are evocative of the Far East, so are ideal in oriental-themed plantings of hostas, bamboo and Japanese maples. They also suit contemporary-style plantings and mix well with flowering perennials. The leaves die down in winter but sprout afresh every spring.
Looks
The arching, ribbon-like leaves create green rivers that move in the breeze. Leaves can be green, golden, striped or variegated, often turning red-brown in autumn. They also produce insignificant green flowers on thin upright stems from summer to autumn.
Likes
Hakonechloa will grow in sun or light shade, in most soil types. They can also be grown in containers.
Dislikes
Plants will not do well in very heavy or excessively dry soil. Leaf colour is usually better in sun than deep shade.
Did you know?
All forms of this grass are related to a plant that is found in wooded areas of Honshu, Japan.
Growing guide
How to grow hakonechloa
All the information you’ll need to grow and care for hakonechloa can be found in the RHS guide to growing ornamental grasses.
Hakonechloa we recommend
Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola'
golden hakonechloa
- 0.1–0.5 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Hakonechloa macra
Japanese forest grass
- 0.1–0.5 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Hakonechloa macra 'Alboaurea' (v)
golden Japanese forest grass
- 0.1–0.5 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola'
golden hakonechloa
- 0.1–0.5 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Hakonechloa macra
Japanese forest grass
- 0.1–0.5 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Hakonechloa macra 'Alboaurea' (v)
golden Japanese forest grass
- 0.1–0.5 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Useful advice
Growing plants in containers
Ornamental grasses: cutting back
Ornamental grasses: selection
Perennial borders: choosing plants
Perennials: planting
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.