Hakonechloa macra

Overview

Uses: Shade gardens, borders, woodland plantings, containers, groundcover massing

Benefits: Graceful cascading foliage, excellent shade tolerance, reliable perennial performance, deer resistant.

USDA Hardiness Zones: 5–9

Sun: Partial Shade to Shade

Life Cycle: Hardy Perennial

Growth Habit: Clump-Forming, Arching, Cascading

Foliage Color: Soft Green (seasonally shifting to golden tones in fall)

Mature Height: 12–18 in

Mature Width: 12–24 in

Growth Rate: Moderate

Summary

A refined, flowing ornamental grass that thrives where others struggle—especially in shade.

Hakonechloa macra, commonly known as Japanese Forest Grass, forms elegant, arching mounds of soft green foliage that create movement and texture in woodland gardens and shaded borders. Its cascading habit makes it especially effective along pathways, retaining walls, and container edges.

While it produces small summer flowers, the primary ornamental feature is its graceful foliage, which may take on warmer tones as the season progresses. It is well suited for urban environments and tolerant of air pollution.

Care

Hakone Grass Care

Plant in partial shade to full shade. Avoid strong afternoon sun, particularly in warmer zones, to prevent leaf scorch.

Prefers consistently moist, well-draining soil. Water regularly during establishment and during extended dry periods.

Apply a slow release fertilizer in early spring if additional vigor is desired.

Cut back foliage to approximately 3–4 inches above ground in late winter or very early spring before new growth emerges.

Propagation is best achieved by division in spring.

Size

What Size is Hakone Grass for Sale Online?

Our Hakonechloa macra ships in a greenhouse-grade grow pot and will be appropriately sized for its container at the time of shipment. Please contact us with any specific size questions before ordering.

How Large Does Hakone Grass Grow?

Mature plants typically reach 12–18 inches tall and spread 12–24 inches wide, forming a gently cascading mound.

Additional Information

What are the common names for Hakonechloa macra?

Common names include Hakone Grass, Japanese Forest Grass, and Forest Grass.

Is Hakone Grass deer resistant?

This ornamental grass is commonly regarded as deer resistant. Browse more browsing-resistant selections in our Deer Resistant Plants collection.

Where can I find more ornamental grasses?

Explore additional texture-rich selections in our Ornamental Grasses collection.

Hakone Grass

Hakone Grass

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