Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola'
Golden Variegated Hakone Grass
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Beautiful and elegant, this low-growing grass brings refinement, good taste, and color to shady areas. Golden leaves with intermittent green lines flow downward like a bright waterfall. The amount of variegation on Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’ depends on its environment: stripes are most pronounced in deep shade, less in sunnier spots. It prefers rich, organic, well-drained soil similar to that of the cool, damp areas of its native Mount Hakone in Japan. It can handle sun in cool, moist climates, but requires shade in hot, dry environments. Golden Variegated Hakone Grass grows in an 18-inch clump that spreads very slowly by rhizomes to make a superb ground cover. Hakone Grasses are sometimes called Japanese Forest Grass.
Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’ was awarded Perennial Plant of the Year® in 2009 by the Perennial Plant Association. Winners are selected for their ability to perform well in a wide range of growing climates, for low maintenance needs, multiple-season interest, and for being relatively pest/disease-free. ‘Aureola’ is the second grass to receive this award. It is also the recipient of the Royal Horticulture Society’s Award of Garden Merit.
Avoid shipping in heat of July/August.
Zone
4-7
Growth Cycle
Warm
Features
- Outstanding in Container
- Shade Tolerant
GROWER INFO & TIPS
- Growth rate: slow
- Grow in 1 or 2 gallon sizes (can be grown in larger sizes, but it will take some time to finish)
- Grow in well-drained soil
- Water needs: keep moist, but not wet; water early in the day
- Fertilizing: use a slow-release fertilizer; can be salt sensitive, so use low or sensitive rate
- Possible pests: leaf spot (scout diligently), spidermites
- Overwintering: cold frame with clear poly; do not overwater
- Needs good air circulation
- 50% shade is a must in the South, possibly less shade in the North
*Note: please adapt these suggestions as needed to accommodate your local conditions.
LANDSCAPING INFO
- Beautiful in containers
- Use as accent or in mass plantings
- Plant close together to form a spectacular ground cover
- Brightens shady areas with luxurious, brilliant color
- Extremely decorative, refined and elegant
- Great for woodland gardens and a natural for Japanese-style gardens
- 2009 Perennial Plant of the Year
