Overview
Hakonechloa macra 'Albo-aurea' is a grass in the genus Hakonechloa, part of the Q43238 family. Hakonechloa macra 'Albo-aurea' grows best in partial shade and shade, and tolerates well-drained and fertile soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include ground cover, borders and containers. It is native to Japan.
About
Hakonechloa macra 'Albo-aurea' is a shade-loving ornamental grass from Japan, valued for ground cover, borders and containers. It performs best in partial shade or full shade on fertile, well-drained soil kept moist and in a sheltered position. The cultivar suits acidic to alkaline soils and is rated H5 (hardy) for UK gardens. Place where shelter and consistent moisture are available.
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
In the garden
Hakonechloa macra 'Albo-aurea' is a grass native to Japan grown primarily for its foliage habit and use at ground level. As a shade-tolerant species, it favours sites with limited direct sun and benefits from protection against exposed winds; an east- or north-facing position or the lee of taller plants suits it well. Plant into a fertile, well-drained soil kept consistently moist; the cultivar tolerates a wide soil pH range from acidic to alkaline. Avoid waterlogged positions but do not let the soil dry out completely during establishment. In the UK it carries an H5 rating — hardy in typical garden conditions — so routine winter protection is not normally needed beyond choosing a sheltered spot. Use Hakonechloa macra 'Albo-aurea' as a ground cover to soften shady corners, to edge borders where it can form a neat front layer, or in containers placed in partial shade. It repays a sheltered, moist site by settling into a steady presence at the front of beds or on patios; position containers where the grass can trail slightly over the rim to show its foliage character.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Hakonechloa
- Sunlight
- partial shade, shade
- Soil type
- well-drained, fertile
- Soil pH
- acidic, neutral, alkaline
- Soil moisture
- moist
- Exposure
- sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Hakonechloa macra 'Albo-aurea' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Grass
- Suggested uses
- ground cover, borders, containers
- Native to
- Japan
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Hakonechloa macra 'Albo-aurea'
- Cultivation
- Prefers sheltered, shaded positions with moist, well-drained soil. Avoid direct hot sun to prevent leaf scorch.
- Pruning
- Cut back old foliage in early spring before new growth emerges.
- Propagation
- Division in spring or autumn.
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Hakonechloa macra 'Albo-aurea'?
Prefers sheltered, shaded positions with moist, well-drained soil. Avoid direct hot sun to prevent leaf scorch.
Where is the best place to plant Hakonechloa macra 'Albo-aurea'?
Hakonechloa macra 'Albo-aurea' prefers partial shade and shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Hakonechloa macra 'Albo-aurea' need?
Hakonechloa macra 'Albo-aurea' grows best in well-drained and fertile soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist.
How do I prune Hakonechloa macra 'Albo-aurea'?
Cut back old foliage in early spring before new growth emerges.
Is Hakonechloa macra 'Albo-aurea' hardy in the UK?
Hakonechloa macra 'Albo-aurea' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Hakonechloa macra 'Albo-aurea'?
Division in spring or autumn.
More in the Hakonechloa genus
- Hakonechloa macra 'Albo-variegata'Variegated Hakone Grass
- Hakonechloa macra 'Greenhills'
- Hakonechloa macra 'Mediovariegata' (v)Japanese forest grass 'Mediovariegata'
- Hakonechloa macra 'Mulled Wine'
- Hakonechloa macra 'Stripe It Rich' (v)