Japanese Forest Grass: 9 Top Hakonechloa Macra Cultivars
Lush, arching blades add subtle drama and seasonal color to the shadiest garden corners.
Japanese Forest Grass Varieties: The Beauty of Hakonechloa Macra
Japanese forest grass (Hakonechloa macra) stands among gardenersâ favorites for its graceful, bamboo-like blades and adaptability to shade gardens. Native to the cool, moist woodlands of central Japanâespecially the slopes around Mount Hakoneâthis deciduous perennial grass is coveted for its flowing form, vibrant leaf variegation, and seasonal color transformations. Whether draping elegantly over rock gardens, accenting shade borders, or brightening up woodland pathways, Hakone grass offers textural and visual delight throughout much of the year.
What Makes Japanese Forest Grass Special?
- Shade tolerance: Thrives where many other grasses struggle, making it ideal for underplanting or north-facing gardens.
- Dynamic foliage: Leaves can be vivid green, gold, variegated, or shift to fiery hues in autumn.
- Graceful habit: Cascading, arching blades create movement reminiscent of flowing water or weeping bamboo.
- Non-invasive: Unlike some grasses, Hakonechloa forms well-behaved clumps, spreading slowly by rhizomes.
- Low maintenance and hardy: Tolerates a range of soils and winter climates (zones 5â9, some to zone 4).
Understanding Hakonechloa Macra: Botanical Overview
The genus Hakonechloa includes only one species: Hakonechloa macra. The species name, meaning “large” in Latin, refers to its lush, arching foliage, which resembles miniature bamboo but is softer and papery to the touch. Plants form dense mounds about 12â18 inches tall and 18â24 inches wide, making them suitable for borders, ground covers, and cascading over walls.
| Common Name | Japanese Forest Grass / Hakone Grass |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Hakonechloa macra |
| Native Range | Central Japan, Mount Hakone region |
| Hardiness Zone | 5â9 (some cultivars to 4) |
| Growth Habit | Deciduous, clumping, slowly spreading |
| Height & Spread | 1â2 ft. tall, 18â30 inches wide (varies by cultivar) |
| Foliage | Green, gold, variegated; turns red, orange, or bronze in fall |
| Light | Partial to full shade; some tolerate morning sun |
Top Varieties of Japanese Forest Grass
Over decades, horticulturists have introduced numerous cultivars with unique color patterns, growth habits, and seasonal interest. Below, discover nine of the most popular and garden-worthy varieties.
1. Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’
‘Aureola’ is prized for its variegated leaves of lime green to golden yellow with creamy white stripes. The yellow tones are especially vivid in partial shade, while deeper shade brings more subdued green hues. As autumn approaches, the blades flush with soft pinks and reds, providing lasting color as other perennials fade.
- Height and Spread: 12â18 inches tall, up to 18 inches wide
- Zones: 5â9
- Perfect for: Adding brightness to shady borders and containers
2. Hakonechloa macra ‘All Gold’
This dwarf selection boasts solid gold-leafed foliage throughout the season, staying vibrant even in shade. ‘All Gold’ is generally more upright and compact than ‘Aureola’, and its pure golden blades provide vivid contrast against darker hostas, ferns, or woodland shrubs. Its cascading, mounded form enhances the sense of movement in the garden.
- Height and Spread: 9â14 inches high, 18â24 inches wide
- Zones: 5â9
- Perfect for: Illuminating dim garden nooks or as a container spiller
3. Hakonechloa macra ‘Beni-Kaze’
The name ‘Beni-kaze’ means “red wind” in Japanese, a nod to its dramatic autumn display. Through the growing season, blades are a restful green, but when temperatures chill, they ignite into deep burgundy and red shadesâamong the richest autumn colors of any ornamental grass. Mass-planted, it creates an unforgettable seasonal tapestry.
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- Height and Spread: 12â18 inches tall, 24â30 inches wide
- Zones: 6â9
- Perfect for: Fall color, pairing with maples or late-season perennials
4. Hakonechloa macra ‘Nicolas’
This cultivar is famed for its vivid transformation from standard green blades in summer to a blazing mix of red, orange, and gold hues in autumn. ‘Nicolas’ brings late-season drama to shaded gardens, where its compact mound holds color well into fall.
- Height and Spread: 12â18 inches high, 18â24 inches wide
- Zones: 5â9
5. Hakonechloa macra ‘Albostriata’ (Albovariegata)
‘Albostriata,’ also known as ‘Albovariegata,’ features green leaves streaked with creamy white running lengthwise. It boasts more cold tolerance than most, sometimes thriving in zone 4b. Fall brings warm hues of orange and gold. Its fine, papery texture and subtle variegation make it ideal for underplanting bold shrubs or beside water features.
- Height: up to 3 feet tall
- Zones: 4â9 (with protection)
- Perfect for: Northern gardens, edging paths, or mixed containers
6. Hakonechloa macra ‘Fubuki’
‘Fubuki’âmeaning âsnowstormââis a compact, showy cultivar notable for its spring green leaves striped with white. Come autumn, it morphs into shades of bronze and orange before dying back for winter. With a smaller stature, ‘Fubuki’ suits smaller gardens and containers where its crisp white variegation pops beautifully in shade.
- Height and Spread: 12â18 inches tall, 18-inch spread
- Zones: 5â9
7. Hakonechloa macra ‘Samurai’
Large, robust, and eye-catching, ‘Samurai’ stands out for its bold, variegated bright green and white blades. Mounding up to two feet high, it is one of the taller cultivars and notably more resilient to sun exposure than most Hakone grasses. The dramatic, bamboo-like habit offers a stunning centerpiece for shade beds and Asian-inspired landscapes.
- Height: 15â24 inches
- Zones: 6â9
- Perfect for: Sun-dappled beds, large-scale landscape statements
8. Hakonechloa macra ‘Naomi’
‘Naomi’ stuns in autumn, transforming from gold-and-green variegation to purplish-red foliage. Generously mounded with arching stems, it provides year-round texture and dynamic color shifts as the seasons change. Its adaptability to shade and ease of care make it a top pick for woodland layering.
- Height: Similar to main species (12â18 inches)
- Zones: 5â9
9. Hakonechloa macra ‘Stripe It Rich’
Remarkable for its striking stripingâbold bands of cream, yellow, and greenâ’Stripe It Rich’ provides exceptional contrast, drawing the eye in shade gardens. Arching gracefully, its flowing blades are showstoppers when planted en masse or combined with deep green foliage plants like ferns.
- Height and Spread: About typical for the species (12â18 inches tall)
- Zones: 5â9
Growing and Caring for Japanese Forest Grass
Site Selection and Planting Tips
- Light: Choose partial to full shade. Morning sun is acceptable, especially for golden varieties, but protect from harsh afternoon rays.
- Soil: Prefers humus-rich, consistently moist, well-drained soil. Amend with organic matter in poor soils.
- Watering: Maintain regular soil moisture, especially in the first grow season and during drought. Hakonechloa dislikes drought stress.
- Spacing: Allow at least 18 inches between plants to accommodate their arching habit.
- Mulching: Winter mulch helps protect roots and retain moisture. Remove and replace in spring.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
- Pruning: Cut back foliage to the ground in late winter or early spring, before new shoots emerge.
- Feeding: Top-dress with compost each spring; usually little supplemental fertilizer required.
- Division: Every 3â4 years, divide oversized clumps in early spring to rejuvenate growth and propagate new plants.
- Pests & diseases: Generally insect and disease free; deer rarely bother Hakonechloa.
- Invasiveness: Not invasiveâslowly expands by short rhizomes.
Design Ideas: Using Japanese Forest Grass in the Landscape
- Woodland borders: Undulating edges and layered plantings with ferns, hostas, and Japanese maples.
- Asian gardens: Evoke tranquil Zen settings with groupings beside rocks, gravel, or water features.
- Containers: Spiller for shade containers; combines well with Heuchera, Astilbe, or coral bells.
- Accent plant: Use as focal points beneath trees or along shaded paths for a luminous, rippling effect.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How much shade does Japanese forest grass really need?
A: Most Hakonechloa varieties thrive in partial to full shade. Variegated and golden forms may benefit from early morning sun to intensify leaf color but require midday/afternoon shade to avoid leaf scorch.
Q: Does Japanese forest grass stay evergreen?
A: No, Hakonechloa is deciduous; it dies back in winter and regenerates fresh foliage each spring.
Q: Is this grass deer resistant?
A: Yes, Japanese forest grass is generally unpalatable to deer and is considered deer resistant, making it useful in wildlife-prone areas.
Q: When and how should I divide Hakonechloa?
A: Divide clumps every 3â4 years in early spring before active growth. Dig up the clump, split into healthy sections, and replant at the same soil level.
Q: Can I grow Japanese forest grass in pots?
A: Absolutely! Itâs a beautiful spiller in shade containers. Use a rich, moisture-retentive mix and water regularly to prevent drought stress.
Q: Does it require much maintenance?
A: Japanese forest grass is very low maintenance. Provide water during dry spells, trim back at winterâs end, and enjoy its dynamic beauty with little fuss.
Conclusion: Bringing Tranquility and Color to Shady Spaces
Japanese forest grass (Hakonechloa macra), with its flowing form and kaleidoscopic foliage, offers lasting beauty for gardens large and small. Whether you select ‘Aureola’ for sunny gold, ‘Beni-Kaze’ for flaming fall reds, or ‘Fubuki’ for snowy variegation, these grasses transform shaded sites into vibrant, architecturally interesting landscapes. Easy to care for, non-invasive, and reliably hardy, Hakone grass is a go-to solution for gardeners seeking texture, color, and movement in dappled light.
References
- https://www.gardendesign.com/ornamental-grasses/japanese-forest-grass.html
- https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/hakonechloa-macra/
- https://www.epicgardening.com/japanese-forest-grass-varieties/
- http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/plantfinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=285349
- https://www.petittigardencenter.com/plant/japanese-forest-grass/
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