Height:

9.0-14.0 Inches

Spread:

18.0-24.0 Inches

Hardiness Zones:

5,6,7,8,9

Flower Color:

Tan shades

Foliage Color:

Yellow shades

Sunlight:

Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun) Full Shade (< 4 hrs. Direct Sun)

Water Requirements:

Average Water Needs Consistent Water Needs

Soil Quality:

Average Soil Quality Fertile Soil Quality

Soil Chemistry:

Acidic Soil (pH < 7.0) Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0)

Bloomtime:

Late Summer Early Fall

Critter Resistant:

Deer Resistant

Seasonal Interest:

Fall Color

Growth Rate:

Slow

Garden Style:

Asian Patio Container Eclectic Woodland Shade

Other Features:

Border Plant Container Edging Attractive Foliage Mass Planting Specimen Focal Point

Origin:

Not Native to North America

Hakonechloa is most at home in shaded, woodland environments where the soil is rich and loamy.  This grass will not grow in poorly drained soil, heavy clay, or very dry soils.  Part to full shade is best; full hot sun tends to scorch the leaves. 

Since it is such a slow grower, it will not be necessary to divide this grass for many years.  However, division is easily accomplished and may be done in spring or fall.  In zones 5-6, mulch it with fall leaves to a depth of about 2 feet and cover the pile with branches to keep the mulch in place.  In southern zones, this mulch is not necessary.  In early spring, remove the leaves and cut back last year's foliage to allow room for the new growth.

Growing Temperature:

70° F days
65° F nights

Soil PH:

5.8-6.3

EC (What is EC?):

1.75-2.25 pour through method

Fertility:

Hakonechloa are light to moderate feeders.  Constant liquid feeding can be done at rates of 50-100 ppm Nitrogen, using 150-200 ppm Nitrogen as needed.

Vernalization:

Not required.

Pests & Diseases:

Spider mites.
Leaf spots may develop if plants receive too high of light exposure.
Crown and root rots can be problematic if plants are kept too wet.

Potting & Timing:

Warm season grass. Plant only in temperatures of 65° F or warmer.

Moisture:

Maintain even moisture levels and allow the soil to dry only slightly between irrigations. Hakonechloa are slow to root so careful water management is very important until they become established.
Prevent overly wet conditions from occuring. Maintain even moisture levels and allow the soil to dry only slightly between irrigations.

Planting Level:

Crown at soil line, avoid planting too deep.

PGRs/Pinching:

Slow growing, PGRs are not needed.

Lighting:

Provide light to moderate shade during the growing season.

Other Comments:

Moderate light requirements will bring out the best characteristics.  Light levels of 4,000-5,000 foot candles is recommended.

Fun Facts

The name Hakonechloa dissected:

"Hakone" is the area near Mt. Fuji in Japan where this grass is found growing naturally.

"chloa" means "grass". 

Thus, Hakonechloa means "grass from Japan".

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