About
Deciduous, perennial grass about 45cm in height, producing mounds of vivid green leaves, irregularly striped and variegated creamy-yellow, then developing red-purple tints in autumn that persist into winter. Small airy sprays of pale green flowers are borne in late summer.
About the genus
Hakonechloa is a deciduous perennial grass forming a compact tuft of arching stems bearing linear leaves, with arching flower panicles in late summer and autumn
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing, North-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeGrass Like
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants
Care notes
CultivationEasy to grow in most moist, humus-rich, well-drained fertile soils in sun or shade. See Ornamental grasses cultivation
PruningCut back old, flowered stems and dead foliage at the base in late winter
PropagationPropagate by division in mid-spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free