Hakonechloa M. ‘All Gold’ 17Cm Pot

Description

Common Name: Hakone Grass, Japanese Forest Grass, Ornamental Grass
 

A brilliant grass that absolutely glows in the shade!  This all-gold version of H. macra is brighter in colour than Hak. m. 'Aureola', has a more upright habit, and is reportedly a more vigorous grower.  It tends to be more chartreuse in the heavier shade, and brighter gold in more sun. 

Though this grass does spread by rhizomes, it is a slow grower and will not rapidly overtake its neighbours.  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.

How to Grow

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, the 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.