Hakonechloa macra - Japanese Forest Grass
Hakonechloa macra - Japanese Forest Grass
Hakonechloa macra
Japanese Forest Grass
The Japanese herb arrived in good condition and was planted immediately. For now, it seems to be struggling a bit and hasn't yet flourished, but that's probably normal at this time of year (autumn/winter). We'll see how it develops after the winter.
Sylvie, 05/01/2026
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Available in 2 sizes
Available in 2 sizes
Available in 2 sizes
This plant carries a 12 months recovery warranty
More information
We guarantee the quality of our plants for a full growing cycle, and will replace at our expense any plant that fails to recover under normal climatic and planting conditions.
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Description
The Hakonechloa macra, the Japanese grass, is a perennial grass with a remarkable pattern. The plant forms lush clumps of cascading, arching leaves. Its foliage, a fresh green, turns orange tones in the autumn before partially drying out in the winter. Stunning in borders, it can easily be grown in pots and will find a prime spot in a semi-shaded corner of a terrace alongside other shade-loving perennials.
The Hakonechloa macra is a rhizomatous and stoloniferous grass belonging to the poaceae family, and is native to the mountains of Japan. In the wild, it grows on rocky and moist slopes as well as in the undergrowth of the Hakone region. This volcanic massif is the origin of its generic name Hakonechloa and its vernacular name 'Hakone grass'. The plant is hardy down to -15°C (5°F). It forms a rounded, fountain-shaped clump, reaching a height and width of 40cm (16in). It spreads slowly and becomes lush over the years. Like bamboo, the Japanese grass consists of very leafy culms that are initially erect and then drooping, resembling cascading waterfalls and giving the plant a unique appearance. Its growth is rather slow, and the foliage persists throughout the winter in mild climates. The ribbon-like leaves of this grass are a fresh, vibrant green. In autumn, they take on coppery hues, especially if the plant receives some morning sunlight. The flowers appear late in summer or autumn. Arranged in thin spikelets, they are not particularly interesting but can be preserved for winter.
The Hakonechloa macra is perfect for an exotic or Japanese-style garden, a cool rockery, or simply in a pot. This Japanese grass is well-suited to partial shade and humus-rich or clayey soils, even heavy ones that retain moisture in summer. The plant has a trailing habit but is slow to spread, taking time to form large cushions. It thrives when used as a ground cover in shaded parts of the garden, in a light woodland, against an east-facing wall, or to edge a border of shrubs in moist, humus-rich soil, adding roundness and color. The Japanese grass will create a sensation in steep, shady areas of the garden. It is ideal for accompanying hostas, ferns, and heucheras.
Hakonechloa macra - Japanese Forest Grass in pictures
Flowering
Foliage
Plant habit
Botanical data
Hakonechloa
macra
Poaceae
Japanese Forest Grass
West Asia
Planting and care
For any soil rich in humus, moist but well-drained, with high atmospheric humidity and no harsh cold in winter. These are the conditions it prefers, but the Japanese forest grass adapts quite well to drier environments if it is in the shade. Limestone and dry soils are not suitable for it at all. It can tolerate shade (where its foliage may darken) and accepts morning sun in moist soil. Its autumn foliage will be most vibrant in very bright, but not scorching, exposure. For example, in the morning sun or at the edge of a grove, under dappled sunlight. A spring fertilizer application stimulates the growth of new foliage. Prune your plant in late February before the new leaves emerge. For pot cultivation, ensure regular watering with non-limestone water if possible.
Planting period
Intended location
Care
Planting & care advice
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Hardiness is the lowest winter temperature a plant can endure without suffering serious damage or even dying. However, hardiness is affected by location (a sheltered area, such as a patio), protection (winter cover) and soil type (hardiness is improved by well-drained soil).
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In temperate climates, pruning of spring-flowering shrubs (forsythia, spireas, etc.) should be done just after flowering.
Pruning of summer-flowering shrubs (Indian Lilac, Perovskia, etc.) can be done in winter or spring.
In cold regions as well as with frost-sensitive plants, avoid pruning too early when severe frosts may still occur.
The harvesting period indicated on our website applies to countries and regions in USDA zone 8 (France, England, Ireland, the Netherlands).
In colder areas (Scandinavia, Poland, Austria...) fruit and vegetable harvests are likely to be delayed by 3-4 weeks.
In warmer areas (Italy, Spain, Greece, etc.), harvesting will probably take place earlier, depending on weather conditions.
The sowing periods indicated on our website apply to countries and regions within USDA Zone 8 (France, UK, Ireland, Netherlands).
In colder areas (Scandinavia, Poland, Austria...), delay any outdoor sowing by 3-4 weeks, or sow under glass.
In warmer climes (Italy, Spain, Greece, etc.), bring outdoor sowing forward by a few weeks.
The planting period indicated on our website applies to regions in USDA Zone 9a (East Coast and Midlands: Dublin, Wexford, Waterford, Kilkenny, Portlaoise). It will vary depending on where you live:
- On the west coast and in the north-west (Galway, Limerick, Sligo, Donegal, Westport), delay planting by 1 to 2 weeks in spring and bring it forward by 1 to 2 weeks in autumn compared to the dates given, preferably choosing periods without strong winds.
- In the inland hills and plateaus (Wicklow Mountains, Macgillycuddy’s Reeks, Connemara, Killarney), it is best to plant in spring (April–May) or autumn (September–October), avoiding periods of waterlogged soil in winter and strong winds, which pose the main risk to newly planted trees in these areas.
The flowering period indicated on our website applies to regions in USDA Zone 9a, such as the East Coast and Midlands, including Dublin, Wexford, Waterford, Kilkenny and Portlaoise.
This will vary depending on where you live:
- On the west coast and in the northwest (Galway, Limerick, Sligo, Donegal and Westport), it will be delayed by one to two weeks compared to the given dates, due to stronger Atlantic winds and less spring sunshine.
- In the inland hills and plateaus (the Wicklow Mountains, the Macgillycuddy's Reeks, Connemara and Killarney), flowering will be delayed by two to three weeks. Flowering mainly occurs between May and July, with the limiting factors being less frost and more of the excessive humidity, strong winds and lack of sunshine that are characteristic of these areas.