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Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola’ (Golden Japanese forest grass)

Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola’ Photo/Illustration: Michelle Gervais



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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola’ hak-on-eh-KLO-ah MAK-rah Common Name: Golden Japanese forest grass Genus: Hakonechloa

This Japanese forest grass boasts brightly variegated golden foliage, with green stripes near the leaf margins. Be aware that too much shade causes the golden portion to fade to lime green. While this grass grows slowly—often not reaching a mature size for three years—its durability and showstopping texture will reward the patient gardener for years to come.


 Noteworthy characteristics: Foliage tends to be mostly golden when grown in sun, with a sharp contrast between green and yellow if grown in shade. Use it to line pathways or waterways, or plant under trees and shrubs.
 Care: Prefers uniformly moist, humus-rich soils and partial shade.
 Propagation: Divide in spring.
 Problems: Infrequent.
Height 1 ft. to 3 ft.
Spread 1 ft. to 3 ft.
Light Full Sun to Part Shade
Moisture Medium Moisture
Characteristics Showy Foliage
Foliage Color Variegated Foliage
Flower Color Green Flower
Uses Beds and Borders, Waterside
Style Rock Garden
Seasonal Interest Summer Interest, Fall Interest
Type Grasses

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