Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’
Blooming Time
Exposure
Golden-leaved Hakonechloa displays pendant, bamboolike leaves colored bright yellow with thin green lines running longitudinally through them. Viewed from a few feet away it creates an effect that is spectacular, perfect for accent and specimen planting in shady settings, especially Japanese theme gardens. Golden leaved Hakonechloa prefers a moist, organically rich, moderately acidic to slightly alkaline soil and spreads at a slow pace. Its yellowish to green spike-like flowers are carried above the foliage from late summer to early fall, and in any season it combines nicely with companions. 2009 Perennial Plant of the Year.
Details
Hardiness Zone:
Blossom Color:
Yellow to Chartreuse
Growth Habit:
Clump Forming
Max Height:
1½'
Texture:
Recommended Spacing:
We sell this plant in these containers:
Special Characteristics
Features
Graceful green/gold striped drooping foliage arranged in neat parallel rows, unique in its tolerance for shade.
Landscape Value
Superb specimen, edging plant, accent, or companion. Also excellent as a ground cover when mass planted.
Care
Watering:
Golden-leaved Japanese Forest Grass is moderately drought tolerant but benefits from occasional watering, to maintain soil in a moist but not wet condition, during the summer months.
Fertilizing:
Golden-leaved Japanese Forest Grass is a moderate feeder, benefiting from a couple of annual applications of slow release fertilizer. A spring application of a 3-1-2 ratio (such as a 15-5-10) can be applied at a rate of about 10 pounds per 1000 square feet, and during early fall, an application of a 2-1-2 ratio (such as a 10-5-10) can be applied to encourage root development and cold hardiness.
Pruning:
Golden-leaved Japanese Forest Grass should be enjoyed all winter long, then, during early April before it begins to grow again, it should be pruned or mowed back to ground level.