Hakonechloa macra - Japanese Forest Grass

The Hakonechloa macra, the Japanese grass, is a perennial grass with a remarkable pattern. The plant forms lush clumps of cascading, arching leaves. Its foliage, a fresh green, turns orange tones in the autumn before partially drying out in the winter. Stunning in borders, it can easily be grown in pots and will find a prime spot in a semi-shaded corner of a terrace alongside other shade-loving perennials.

The Hakonechloa macra is a rhizomatous and stoloniferous grass belonging to the poaceae family, and is native to the mountains of Japan. In the wild, it grows on rocky and moist slopes as well as in the undergrowth of the Hakone region. This volcanic massif is the origin of its generic name Hakonechloa and its vernacular name 'Hakone grass'. The plant is hardy down to -15°C (5°F). It forms a rounded, fountain-shaped clump, reaching a height and width of 40cm (16in). It spreads slowly and becomes lush over the years. Like bamboo, the Japanese grass consists of very leafy culms that are initially erect and then drooping, resembling cascading waterfalls and giving the plant a unique appearance. Its growth is rather slow, and the foliage persists throughout the winter in mild climates. The ribbon-like leaves of this grass are a fresh, vibrant green. In autumn, they take on coppery hues, especially if the plant receives some morning sunlight. The flowers appear late in summer or autumn. Arranged in thin spikelets, they are not particularly interesting but can be preserved for winter.

The Hakonechloa macra is perfect for an exotic or Japanese-style garden, a cool rockery, or simply in a pot. This Japanese grass is well-suited to partial shade and humus-rich or clayey soils, even heavy ones that retain moisture in summer. The plant has a trailing habit but is slow to spread, taking time to form large cushions. It thrives when used as a ground cover in shaded parts of the garden, in a light woodland, against an east-facing wall, or to edge a border of shrubs in moist, humus-rich soil, adding roundness and color. The Japanese grass will create a sensation in steep, shady areas of the garden. It is ideal for accompanying hostas, ferns, and heucheras.