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Hakonechloa macra ‘Alboaurea’ (Hakone Grass)

Hakone Grass 'Alboaurea', Japanese Forest Grass 'Alboaurea', Golden Japanese Forest Grass, Golden Hakonechloa

AGM Award
Hakonechloa Macra Alboaurea, Hakone Grass 'Alboaurea', Japanese Forest Grass 'Alboaurea', Shade grasses, Aureola Grass, part shade grass, full shade grass, Japanese grass, Golden Japanese Forest Grass

Extraordinarily eye-catching, Hakonechloa macra ‘Alboaurea’ (Hakone Grass) is a very elegant golden variegated grass that adds drama to any garden. Its foliage forms a cascading mound of gracefully arching, narrow leaves that are vibrantly striped creamy-white, bright yellow, and green. Taking a reddish tinge in full sun, the foliage often turns reddish in fall before dying to the ground in winter. But what a beautiful death with its golden-beige foliage lighting up dreary corners of the garden well into winter. Delicate-looking, pale green flowers appear in late summer but are generally unnoticed among the leaves. Extremely adaptable, there is no end to the uses and plant combinations possible with Hakonechloa macra ‘Alboaurea’.

  • Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society
  • Grown for its handsome and eye-catching foliage, this ornamental grass is long-lived, tough and unlike most grasses, loves moist shady conditions.
  • Typically grows in dense, spreading cascading mounds, up to 12-14 in. tall (30-35 cm) and 18 in. wide (45 cm).
  • Easy to grow, and resilient to pests and diseases, this ornamental grass requires little maintenance and is a fabulous addition to shady areas where it can grow as a superb accent plant, or as an effective groundcover, along paths, around trees or in containers.
  • Performs best in part shade, in consistently moist, humus-rich, and well-drained soils. Full shade is tolerated, specifically in hot summer climates, however, the foliage might lose its color intensity.
  • Cut back foliage to the ground in late winter or early spring before the new shoots appear. Provide winter mulch.
  • Best divided in spring. Though this grass does spread by rhizomes, it is a slow grower, and it will not be necessary to divide this grass for many years.

Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 9
Heat Zones 5 - 9
Climate Zones 2B, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Ornamental Grasses, Perennials
Plant Family Poaceae
Genus Hakonechloa
Common names Japanese Forest Grass, Hakone Grass
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spread 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 18" (50cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Full Shade, Deer
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Edging, Ground Covers, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Modern Garden, Informal and Cottage, Japanese Garden
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Hakonechloa macra ‘Stripe It Rich’ (Hakone Grass)
Hakonechloa macra (Hakone Grass)
Hakonechloa macra ‘All Gold’ (Hakone Grass)
Hakonechloa macra ‘Nicolas’ (Hakone Grass)
Hakonechloa macra ‘Naomi’ (Hakone Grass)
Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’ (Hakone Grass)

Recommended Companion Plants

Lychnis flos-cuculi ‘Petite Jenny’ (Ragged Robin)
Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’ (Black Mondo)
Ajuga reptans ‘Catlin’s Giant’ (Carpet Bugle)
Carex comans Bronze-Leaved (New Zealand Hair Sedge)
Hosta ‘Royal Standard’ (Plantain Lily)
Geranium ‘Patricia’ (Cranesbill)

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Hakonechloa macra (Hakone Grass)
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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 9
Heat Zones 5 - 9
Climate Zones 2B, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Ornamental Grasses, Perennials
Plant Family Poaceae
Genus Hakonechloa
Common names Japanese Forest Grass, Hakone Grass
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spread 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 18" (50cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Full Shade, Deer
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Edging, Ground Covers, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Modern Garden, Informal and Cottage, Japanese Garden
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Hakonechloa (Hakone Grass)
Not sure which Hakonechloa (Hakone Grass) to pick?
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