Ornamental grassesHakonechloa macra
Japanese Forest Grass
Japanese Forest Grass is an exceptionally graceful grass with elegantly cascading foliage in warm golden-green tones. The leaves ripple like a waterfall over the edges of pots and borders. In autumn, the foliage turns deep red to orange for a spectacular final display.
Characteristics
- Sun
- Partial shade
- Water
- Medium
- Height
- 30–50 cm
- Spread
- 40–60 cm
- Hardiness zone
- 5–9
- Family
- Poaceae
- Evergreen
- No
- Flower colors
- green
Bloom period
Care guide
Plant in partial shade in humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil. Avoid full sun — the foliage can scorch. Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during warm spells. Apply a compost layer in spring as nourishment.
Pruning tips
Leave the foliage standing in autumn for the stunning autumn colours. Only cut back dead leaves in early spring before new growth emerges. The plant is slow to emerge — be patient in spring.
Good companions
PerennialsHosta sieboldiana
Hosta
Hosta is the quintessential shade plant, valued for its large, blue-green, ribbed leaves. Light purple or white bell-shaped flowers appear on tall stems in July and August. Over the years the plant forms substantial clumps that give a shaded border a lush character.
PerennialsAstilbe × arendsii
False Spirea
False Spirea is an elegant shade plant with feathery plumes in pink, red, or white above deeply cut foliage. It blooms from June to August, and the plumes retain their ornamental value even when dried. Astilbe thrives in moist, shady spots where many other plants struggle.
Ornamental grassesCarex morrowii
Japanese Sedge
Japanese Sedge is an elegant, evergreen ornamental grass with finely arching leaves often edged in white or cream. The plant forms neat, dome-shaped clumps that remain decorative year-round. Ideal for shady spots where few other ornamental grasses thrive.