Hakonechloa macra
Japanese forest grass
A small, part-shade loving perennial bunchgrass, the Japanese Forest Grass forms a graceful fountain shape as it grows, slowly spreading and brightening up darker areas of the garden.
Hakonechloa macra produces luscious paper thin foliage, somewhat reminiscent of bamboo but in an alluring bright green. In autumn this foliage can develop orange, red or purple tones.
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These images are for illustration purposes only. Plants are delivered in nursery pots and other individual features may not be present due to seasonality.
Plant Biography
Native to Japan where it’s endemic to moist mountain areas of cliffs and woodland, including Mt. Hakone from which it derives its Latin genus and common name.
Japanese Forest Grass makes for a perfect spreading ornamental grass for shady locations, aesthetically reminiscent of Japanese style gardens.
It works brilliantly when used to create groundcover or accents in woodland gardens, is perfectly pleasing along paths and walkways and even looks fantastic in containers.
Expert Tip
Care & Size Guidance
Hakonechloa macra is best grown in part shade, planted in humus rich, consistently moist, well-drained soil. Though it is not at its best, it can tolerate close to full shade.
In midsummer Hakonechloa flowers bloom with light purple inflorescence which fades to tan before dropping off over the course of several weeks.
Compared to many of the cultivars, the original green species tends to be the fastest grower and has a slightly larger ultimate size.
Japanese Forest grass arrived a few days after ordering, good root structure when unpotted although the above ground view is sparse as it is still early Spring and growth is slow. However I am confident it will now grow on well and look impressive in a few weeks or so.
Roger Byron (verified owner) –
Love the Japanese forest grass, has really grown amazing in some large pots that get a lot of sun in the afternoon, and not so much water. Even after moving them they have bounce and look luscious again!
Mikayla Pryce –
A bit disappointing really as there was barely no root growth beyond the centre of the plant suggesting they had very recently been potted up into the 2 litre pot.
The price was competitive but they were obviously much smaller plants so should really have been advertised as such
Reply:
Thank you for your feedback, Richard. We’re sorry the plants my colleagues chose for you were not up to our usual standard. The H.macra is fairly slow to establish and spread and we’ve had similar issues in the past with other batches of it, as not all the plants manage to fill the pot quickly. They do establish eventually and will form nice arching mounds of grass.
Richard D (verified owner) –
Rip Off!
I paid for 2litre pot plants but when I take them out to plant they are obviously 9cm plants put in a 2 litre pot and packed around.
I will never buy from this place again.
David Saitch –