Description
Hakonechloa –
There is a single species of a deciduous, rhizomatous, clump forming, perennial grass, in this genus. It occurs in wooded and often mountainous areas of Japan. H. macra has smooth, bright green leaves that turn orange-brown in fall, and loose, nodding panicles of 3 to 5 flowered spikelets. Its variegated cultivars, among the most attractive of ornamental grasses, are useful in a woodland or rock garden, or at the front of a mixed or herbaceous border. They are also ideal for containers or courtyard garden.
H. macra ‘Aueola’ – Golden Variegated Hakonechloa – This perennial grass from Japan grows 12-24″ tall and 16″ wide. It slowly spreads to form mounds of arching, linear leaves, to 10″ long. Leaves are bright yellow with narrow green stripes, becoming red flushed in autumn, the color often persisting into winter. From late summer to mid autumn it bears needle like pale green spikelets in open panicles, to 7″ long.
Grow in fertile, humus rich, moist but well drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Variegated cultivars produces best leaf color in partial shade. Divide in spring.
Zones 5-9
