Hakonechloa macra All Gold (Hakone Grass)

Adding a jolt of color to any garden or container, Hakonechloa macra ‘All Gold’ (Hakone Grass) is a brilliant golden grass that literally gleams in the shade. Its bright foliage forms a cascading mound of gracefully arching, slender blades that tend to become chartreuse in shade, and pure gold in the sun. Holding its vibrant color from spring through summer, it develops a pinkish blush as fall arrives and eventually turns golden tan in winter, before dying to the ground.

Adding a jolt of color to any garden or container, Hakonechloa macra 'All Gold' (Hakone Grass) is a brilliant golden grass that literally gleams in the shade. Its bright foliage forms a cascading mound of gracefully arching, slender blades that tend to become chartreuse in shade, and pure gold in the sun. Holding its vibrant color from spring through summer, it develops a pinkish blush as fall arrives and eventually turns golden tan in winter, before dying to the ground. But what a beautiful death with its foliage lighting up dreary corners of the garden well into winter. Delicate-looking, reddish-brown flower spikes appear in late summer, but are generally unnoticed among the leaves. Extremely adaptable, Hakonechloa macra 'All Gold' is a true beauty for shady combinations.

  • 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 10-18 in. tall (25-45 cm) and 20 in. wide (50 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.
  • 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.

Requirements

Hardiness 5
– 9

Heat Zones 5
– 9

Climate Zones 2B, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Ornamental Grasses, Perennials
Plant Family Hakonechloa – Hakone Grasses
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Spring (Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)Fall
Height 10"
– 2'
(25cm
– 60cm)
Spread 1'
– 2'
(30cm
– 60cm)
Spacing 18″ (45cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Deer
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Edging, Ground Covers, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Japanese Garden, Modern Garden