Hakonechloa macra (Hakone Grass)

Hakonechloa macra (Hakone Grass) is a very beautiful perennial grass forming a cascading mound of gracefully arching, bright, rich-green leaves that ripple in the slightest breeze. Bringing alive any garden area, its soft foliage provides great fall color when it changes to exquisite copper-orange shades and persists into winter.

Hakonechloa macra (Hakone Grass) is a very beautiful perennial grass forming a cascading mound of gracefully arching, bright, rich-green leaves that ripple in the slightest breeze. Bringing alive any garden area, its soft foliage provides great fall color when it changes to exquisite copper-orange shades and persists into winter. Delicate airy sprays of green flowers appear in mid-late summer but are generally unnoticed among the leaves. Hakonechloa macra is more sun tolerant, drought tolerant, cold-hardy, faster growing, and easier to propagate than 'Aureola'.

  • 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 24 in. tall and wide (60 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.
  • 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.
  • Propagate by division in mid-spring

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 1'
– 2'
(30cm
– 60cm)
Spread 1'
– 2'
(30cm
– 60cm)
Spacing 24″ (60cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Deer
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Edging, Ground Covers, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Japanese Garden, Modern Garden