Hakonechloa macra Alboaurea (Hakone Grass)

Extraordinarily eye-catching, Hakonechloa macra 'Alboaurea' (Hakone Grass) is a very elegant golden variegated grass that adds drama to any garden. Its foliage forms a cascading mound of gracefully arching, narrow leaves that are vibrantly striped creamy-white, bright yellow, and green. Taking a reddish tinge in full sun, the foliage often turns reddish in fall before dying to the ground in winter. But what a beautiful death with its golden-beige foliage lighting up dreary corners of the garden well into winter. Delicate-looking, pale green flowers appear in late summer but are generally unnoticed among the leaves. Extremely adaptable, there is no end to the uses and plant combinations possible with Hakonechloa macra 'Alboaurea'.

• Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society
• Grown for its handsome and eye-catching foliage, this ornamental grass is long-lived, tough and unlike most grasses, loves moist shady conditions.
• Typically grows in dense, spreading cascading mounds, up to 12-14 in. tall (30-35 cm) and 18 in. wide (45 cm).
• Easy to grow, and resilient to pests and diseases, this ornamental grass requires little maintenance and is a fabulous addition to shady areas where it can grow as a superb accent plant, or as an effective groundcover, along paths, around trees or in containers.
• Performs best in part shade, in consistently moist, humus-rich, and well-drained soils. Full shade is tolerated, specifically in hot summer climates, however, the foliage might lose its color intensity.
• Cut back foliage to the ground in late winter or early spring before the new shoots appear. Provide winter mulch.
• Best divided in spring. Though this grass does spread by rhizomes, it is a slow grower, and it will not be necessary to divide this grass for many years.