Japanese Forest Grass

A very adaptable Japanese grass, Hakonechloa macra is a clump-forming, deciduous grass which forms a broad, low, dense mound of narrow, arching, bright green leaves. These turn copper and red in autumn, and persist into winter. Sprays of greenish brown flowers with rather oat-like spikelets appear in mid- to late summer; these can be dried for flower-arranging. Cut back old leaves in early spring so that the fresh new growth can appear at its best. Japanese forest grass is tough, hardy and easy to grow. Good underplanting shrubs and impressive in pots, it holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit.

Site: Tolerates exposure
Soil: Any moist but well-drained soil
Position: Full sun, partial shade, full shade
Season of interest: Most of the year; mid-to late summer in particular
Hardiness: Very hardy
Height: 16” (40cm) Spread: 18” (45cm)