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Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’ (Hakone Grass)

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

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

One of the most superb ornamental grasses, Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’ (Hakone Grass) is a very beautiful golden variegated grass. Its foliage forms attractive mounds of gracefully arching, shiny leaves that ripple in the slightest breeze. The leaves are almost entirely variegated with gold longitudinal stripes that take chartreuse colors in the shade and turn brighter in the sun. Bringing alive any garden area, its foliage provides outstanding fall color when it changes to exquisite copper-orange shades before dying to the ground in winter. Delicate-looking flowers appear in late summer but are generally unnoticed among the leaves.

  • 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 12-18 in. tall (30-45 cm) and 18-24 in. wide (45-60 cm).
  • Won multiple awards, including the Perennial Plant of the Year award (2009) and the Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society
  • Easy to grow and resilient to pests and diseases, this ornamental grass requires little maintenance. It is a fabulous addition to shady areas where it can grow as a superb accent plant, or as an effective groundcoveralong pathsaround trees, or in containers.
  • Performs best in part shade in consistently moisthumus-rich, and well-drained soilsFull 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" - 24"
(50cm - 60cm)
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
Tolerance Full Shade, Deer
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Edging, Ground Covers, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Japanese Garden, Modern Garden
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Alternative Plants to Consider

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

Recommended Companion Plants

Heuchera ‘Obsidian’ (Coral Bells)
Euphorbia seguieriana subsp. niciciana (Siberian Spurge)
Euphorbia polychroma (Cushion Spurge)
Persicaria amplexicaulis ‘Firetail’ (Mountain Fleece)
Hydrangea paniculata ‘Limelight’
Tanacetum parthenium (Feverfew)
Hosta ‘Patriot’ (Plantain Lily)
Astilbe
Brunnera macrophylla (Siberian Bugloss)

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Hakonechloa macra (Hakone Grass)
Plant Combination Ideas with Hakone Grass
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" - 24"
(50cm - 60cm)
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
Tolerance Full Shade, Deer
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Edging, Ground Covers, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Japanese Garden, Modern Garden
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Hakonechloa (Hakone Grass)
Not sure which Hakonechloa (Hakone Grass) to pick?
Compare Now

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