Hakonechloa macra

Description

Hakonechloa macra – Japanese forest grass

Botanical name: Hakonechloa macra
Common names: Japanese forest grass, Hakone grass
Family: Poaceae (grass family)
Plant type: Deciduous grass
Habit: Low, arching, cascading, slowly spreading
Pot size: 9cm pot
Eventual size: Approx. 30–45cm tall × 45–60cm spread
Foliage: Arching, cascading bright green leaves, taking on gold and russet tints in autumn; deciduous
Flowers: Airy, delicate flower spikes in late summer; grown mainly for its foliage
Scent: Not scented
Aspect / light: Partial shade
Soil: Moist but well-drained, humus-rich; any pH
Hardiness: RHS H6 (hardy, to about −20°C); USDA zones 5–9
Exposure: Sheltered
Native range: Species native to Japan
Toxicity / pet & child safety: Generally considered non-toxic to people and pets

Hakonechloa macra, Japanese forest grass, forms beautiful low, cascading mounds of arching bright green leaves that flow like flowing water and colour warmly in autumn. One of the very best grasses for shade.

GardenAdvice notes

Widely regarded as one of the most beautiful of all grasses, Japanese forest grass forms low, gently cascading mounds of arching, bamboo-like leaves that move like flowing water and turn lovely gold and russet shades in autumn. Slow-spreading and elegant, it is unusual and precious in being a grass that positively thrives in shade, making it invaluable for shady borders, woodland edges and containers.

Growing & planting

Plant in spring or autumn in moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil in partial shade, with shelter from cold, drying winds — it is one of the few grasses that prefers shade to full sun, though it tolerates a little morning sun in moist soil. Work in leaf mould, and space about 45cm apart. It is slow but steady to establish.

Care & maintenance

Low-maintenance. Keep the soil from drying out, as it dislikes drought. Leave the foliage for its autumn colour, then cut back the dead growth in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Water in dry spells. Divide congested clumps in spring — a good way to increase this slow grower.

Propagation

• Division: Lift and divide clumps in spring, as growth begins — the best way to propagate it.

Pests & diseases

Generally trouble-free. Its main dislike is dry soil, which browns the leaf tips, and slugs may occasionally graze new growth. Moist, humus-rich soil in shade keeps it looking its best.

Uses in the garden

Superb in shady and woodland borders, cascading over the edges of raised beds, low walls and large containers, edging shady paths, and in Japanese-style plantings, where its flowing habit is shown off beautifully.

Wildlife value

The dense, cascading foliage provides ground-level cover and shelter for insects and small creatures in shady plantings.

Toxicity & safety

Japanese forest grass is generally regarded as non-toxic to people and pets.

GardenAdvice tip

Hakonechloa is one of the most beautiful things you can plant in shade — its arching leaves cascade like a green waterfall, so it’s at its most striking spilling over the edge of a raised bed, a low wall or a large pot where the flowing habit can show. It’s slow, so be patient, keep it moist (it hates drying out), and divide it in spring if you’d like more.

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