Hakone grass
Hakonechloa macra · Poaceae
📷 Photo by and (c)2006 Derek Ramsey (Ram-Man). Location credit to the Chanticleer Garden. · CC BY-SA 3.0
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant hakone grass: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Scientific name
- Hakonechloa macra
- Family
- Poaceae (grasses)
- Origin
- Japan (mountain forests)
- Foliage
- Deciduous, fine and cascading, golden-green to red depending on the variety
- Adult height
- 30 to 40 cm tall, 50 to 80 cm wide
- Flowering
- Summer to autumn, discreet
- Hardiness
- -15 °C approximately (zone 6)
- Growth
- Slow to moderate
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability high.
Expert tips
The key tip
Hakonechloa thrives in rich, humus-filled soil, avoid drying out. Regular watering is key.
The common mistake
Planting it in full sun and thinking "it's a grass, so it's tough" - it yellows, weakens and disappears in a single summer.
The pro's trick
Grow it in a pot or raised bed near a moisture source (pond, fountain).
Care
Light
Hakonechloa prefers partial shade, as in its natural woodland habitat. It tolerates light to moderate shade and partially sunny locations. Avoid intense full sun in warm regions, which can dry out the foliage and diminish the color intensity.
Watering
Keep the soil moist and well-drained during the growing season. Water regularly in spring and summer, without letting the soil become waterlogged. In autumn and winter, reduce watering. This grass appreciates atmospheric humidity.
Soil
Prefer rich, slightly acidic to neutral soil, enriched with organic matter (potting soil, compost). Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot. Aim for slightly moist soil if possible.
Fertilizing
A balanced fertilizer application in spring is generally sufficient. A small dose in early summer can support growth. Avoid excess nitrogen, which would promote overly dense foliage at the expense of elegance.
Pruning and cutting
Remove dried foliage in late autumn or early spring, before new growth resumes. Clean cutting at the base rejuvenates the plant. Remove defective stems as needed. No pruning is necessary outside of this cleanup.
Diseases and pests
Hakonechloa is generally hardy. With excessive standing moisture, watch for fungal rot. Ensure good air circulation and drainage. Pests are rare; occasionally inspect if the plant yellows abnormally.
Did you know?
Hakonechloa macra takes its name from Mount Hakone, a mountainous region in Japan where it naturally grows in moist woodlands. In Japan, it is revered for its architectural elegance and has featured in zen gardens for centuries. Its golden varieties such as 'Aureola' evoke sunlight filtered through the forest canopy.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
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- Reed canary-grassPhalaris arundinacea
- Common quaking grassBriza media
- Creeping soft-grassHolcus mollis
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.