Overview
Hakonechloa macra is a tufted grass like in the genus Hakonechloa, part of the Poaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Hakonechloa macra grows best in full shade, full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is low maintenance. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, patio and container plants, cottage and informal garden, low maintenance and flower borders and beds. It is native to Japan.
About
Hakonechloa macra, commonly known as Japanese forest grass, is a tufted, deciduous grass-like plant from the genus Hakonechloa, native to eastern Asia. It typically grows to a height and spread of 0.1 to 0.5 metres, reaching full size within 2 to 5 years. This versatile grass thrives in a range of light conditions from full shade to full sun and adapts well to various soil types and pH levels, provided the soil is moist but well-drained. It is low maintenance and offers seasonal interest throughout summer, autumn, and winter.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Hakonechloa
About the genus
Hakonechloa is a genus of bunchgrass in the tribe Molinieae of the grass family, Poaceae, native to eastern Asia.
Wikipedia contributors, "Hakonechloa", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Hakonechloa
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Hakonechloa
- Sunlight
- Full shade, Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing, South-facing, North-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Hakonechloa macra size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Grass Like
- Habit
- Tufted
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants, Cottage and informal garden, Low Maintenance, Flower borders and beds
- Native to
- Japan
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Hakonechloa macra
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, well-drained soil in partial to full shade; avoid dry conditions; mulch to retain moisture; tolerant of a range of soils and pH levels; low maintenance
- Pruning
- Cut back old foliage in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges
- Propagation
- Division in mid-spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Hakonechloa macra?
Prefers moist, well-drained soil in partial to full shade; avoid dry conditions; mulch to retain moisture; tolerant of a range of soils and pH levels; low maintenance.
Where is the best place to plant Hakonechloa macra?
Hakonechloa macra prefers full shade, full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Hakonechloa macra need?
Hakonechloa macra is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Hakonechloa macra?
Cut back old foliage in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges.
How big does Hakonechloa macra grow?
Hakonechloa macra reaches a height of 0.1-0.5 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Hakonechloa macra hardy in the UK?
Hakonechloa macra has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Hakonechloa macra?
Division in mid-spring.
Last updated