About
Deciduous perennial grass to 45cm tall, producing mounds of bright chartreuse-yellow leaves in spring, tipped crimson, the colour becoming golden-yellow as the season progresses to autumn, with dark orange and rich burgundy-red tints persisting into winter. Small, airy sprays of pale green flowers are produced 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, the leaf colour is richer in full sun. 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