An intriguing grass for the shade which is perfect for the formal Japanese garden. Variegated but nearly all yellow, the leaf blades have narrow green stripes, mostly near the margins. Perhaps its most fascinating attribute is the cascading habit in which most of the leaves arch in the same direction, appearing much like a golden waterfall. Plant this grass where it will cascade down slopes, drape over rocks, crawl over the edges of walls, at the front of the garden, or even in containers.
Though this grass does spread by rhizomes, it is a slow grower and will not rapidly overtake its neighbors. When grown in part shade, the yellow tones in the leaves will be most pronounced. In deep shade, the variegation will be lime green. In the cooler days of autumn, the golden foliage becomes infused with shades of pink and red. People in milder climates will be able to enjoy the buff color of this grass all winter. In colder climates, it will die all the way back to the ground.
Hakonechloa is grown mainly for its beautiful foliage, though it does produce seed heads. Tiny, inconspicuous flower spiklets appear in airy clusters from late summer thru early fall.
30ct Plug Tray |
72ct Plug Tray |
Height:
1.0-2.0 Feet
Spread:
2.0-3.0 Feet
Hardiness Zones:
5,6,7,8,9
Flower Color:
Tan shades
Foliage Color:
Variegated
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.
Container:
Trade 1 Gallon Container
When to Plant:
Late summer or spring - summer
Finish:
8-10 weeks
Container:
Trade 1 Gallon Container
When to Plant:
Spring through summer
Finish:
10-12 weeks
Notes:
Best planted in summer for sales the following spring.
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.
Grower Tips:
The best looking plants are achieved by planting small plugs in summer for sales the following spring.
Perennial Plant Association Plant of the Year -- 2009
Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit -- 1993
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".
Height:
1.0-2.0 Feet
Spread:
2.0-3.0 Feet
Hardiness Zones:
5,6,7,8,9
Flower Color:
Tan shades
Foliage Color:
Variegated
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.
Container:
Trade 1 Gallon Container
When to Plant:
Late summer or spring - summer
Finish:
8-10 weeks
Container:
Trade 1 Gallon Container
When to Plant:
Spring through summer
Finish:
10-12 weeks
Notes:
Best planted in summer for sales the following spring.
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.
Grower Tips:
The best looking plants are achieved by planting small plugs in summer for sales the following spring.
Perennial Plant Association Plant of the Year -- 2009
Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit -- 1993
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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