Japanese Forest Grass - Most Attractive Shade Grass
Gold Japanese Forest Grass
I found out about the Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa) earlier this spring. I was immediately fascinated by the bright light green colored blades as well as it’s graceful growing habit. So I just had to find more info on it.
As the name implies, this is a Japanese native that grows on the wet, rocky cliffs in the mountains of the southeast Honshu, Japan. So this decorative grass can be grown in zones 5-9 here in the United States. The grass prefers shade to part shade areas of the garden, especially in hot areas like the Southeastern US. I have read about some having success in full sun but I imagine that would only happen in cooler areas like the Northwest. It also prefers a moist (not soggy) soil rich with organic matter so it is not really a drought resistant grass and should be watered regularly. Though it spreads via underground rhizomes, the grass is a rather slow spreader and is non invasive. Clumps can eventually get to 2′ tall by 3′ wide. This grass has no real disease/pest problems here in the US , is not favored by Deer and requires little to no maintenance other than watering and cutting it back to the ground for winter. There are several varieties, I have seen some darker green and even some burgundy tinged varieties but my favorite by far is the golden variety which is like lemon/lime color with variegated leaves. All in all, this is a great decorative grass that will brighten any shaded area. It also makes for a great container plant. I have yet to see it in Home Depot or Lowes so your best bet may be online sources though it can be a bit pricey at some places. I know that DirectGardening.com just started carrying it and their price is very good..