Hakonechloa macra (Hakone Grass)

Hakone Grass (Hakonechloa macra) is a long-lived, tough, ornamental grass that, unlike most grasses, loves moist shady conditions. Native to Japan, its foliage forms attractive, loose cascading mounds of gracefully arching, slender leaves that ripple in the slightest breeze. Ranging from solid green to bright gold to creamy variegated throughout the spring and summer, the soft foliage changes to exquisite copper-orange shades in the fall as cooler weather sets in. Delicate-looking flowers appear in mid to late summer but are generally unnoticed among the leaves. Hakone Grass is invaluable for adding multi-season interest, color, and texture to the shade garden.

• Extremely adaptable, there is no end to the uses and plant combinations possible with Hakonechloa macra. This true beauty does wonders as an accent plant, or an effective groundcover, and looks fabulous along paths, around trees or in containers.
  While extraordinarily good-looking on its own, Hakone Grass, however, looks most stunning when planted with companion plants.
• Typically growing in a dense mound, up to 1-2 ft. tall and wide (30-60 cm), Hakone Grass spreads gently by rhizomes to eventually form a broad attractive patch.
• Performs best in part shade, in consistently moist, humus-rich, and well-drained soils. It's important to note that light exposure will allow for the best coloration of certain varieties. While the variegated and golden selections of Hakone Grass prefer some shade to avoid summer scorching, the greener varieties can tolerate more sun without the summer burning. 
• Easy to grow, and resilient to pests and diseases, this perennial grass requires little maintenance.
• Cut back foliage to the ground in late winter or early spring before the new shoots appear. Provide winter mulch.
• Best divided in spring. Though this grass does spread by rhizomes, it is a slow grower and it will not be necessary to divide this grass for many years.

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Requirement
Hardiness	5,6,7,8,9
Heat Zones	5,6,7,8,9
Climate Zones	3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 2B
Plant Type	Ornamental Grasses, Perennials
Plant Family	Poaceae or Gramineae
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest	Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter, Mid Spring, Late Spring, Early Summer, Mid Summer, Late Summer
Height	1' - 2'
Spread	1' - 2'
Water Needs	Average
Maintenance	Low
Soil Type	Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Characteristics	Deer Tolerant
Garden Styles	City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Japanese Garden, Modern Garden, Traditional Garden
Planting Place	Beds and Borders, Edging, Ground Covers, Patio and Containers