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Hakonechloa macra
Japanese forest grass
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Image © Lynne Thompson/Great Plant Picks
Image © Richie Steffen/Great Plant Picks
Image © Richie Steffen/Great Plant Picks |
Printer-friendly Fact Sheet
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| Outstanding Qualities |
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Hakonechloa macra, Japanese forest grass, is an understated and underused aristocrat in the shade garden. This deciduous grass forms airy mounds of medium-green arching blades. It is slightly taller and more upright than other Japanese forest grasses, reaching a little over 2 feet in height. The true asset of the grass is the textural effect in the landscape. Rippling gently in the slightest breeze the motion created by Japanese forest grass brings the garden alive. Its light texture makes it a good container plant contrasting with other more rigid plants. Use Hakonechloa macra as a solid ground cover under small trees or under large shrubs. It also looks good with bold, foliage plants such as bergenias, podophyllums, hostas, and works as a nice contrast with ferns. It is a natural for Japanese gardens. |
| Culture |
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Plant Hakonechloa macra in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil in sun, part shade or bright open shade. In hot sun the foliage wilts and burn easily. This grass is not drought tolerant and requires regular summer watering. It spreads very slowly by rhizomes, but never so much that it is a nuisance. It can be divided in early spring just before the new foliage starts to emerge. Fall color is a pleasant straw tone; once it browns it can be cut to the ground. Cats and dogs can be particularly fond of this grass so expect regular pruning if it is planted where they hang out. |
| Growing Habit |
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This deciduous grass grows approximately 2 feet high and 4 feet wide in 5 years. If you use this as a groundcover, set plants 18 inches apart. |
| Hardiness |
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USDA zones 5 to 8 |
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© 2009 Elisabeth Carey Miller Botanical Garden
Funded by the Pendleton and Elisabeth Carey Miller Charitable Foundation
Administered by the Elisabeth Carey Miller Botanical Garden