Not the plant you're looking for? Search over 300,000 plants

Hakonechloa macra

Japanese forest grass

A perennial grass producing mounds of bright green leaves topped by airy sprays of green flowers in mid- to late summer. The leaves develop red-brown tints in autumn and persist into winter

Join the RHS

Become an RHS Member today and save 25% on your first year

Join now
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Green Green
Autumn Brown Red
Winter Brown Red
Position
  • Full shade
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

West–facing or South–facing or North–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Poaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Tufted
Genus

Hakonechloa is a deciduous perennial grass forming a compact tuft of arching stems bearing linear leaves, with arching flower panicles in late summer and autumn

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Japan

How to grow

Cultivation

Easy to grow in most moist, humus-rich, well-drained fertile soils in sun or shade

Propagation

Propagate by division in mid-spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Garden edging
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning

Cut back old, flowered stems and dead foliage at the base in late winter

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.