Brightly variegated golden foliage with green stripes near the leaf margins give this Japanese forest grass its distinctive look. Too much shade can cause the golden portion to fade to lime green. This slow-growing may not reach a mature size for three years, but it is definitely worth the wait. —Matt Griswold, Fine Gardening #127
Noteworthy CharacteristicsFoliage 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.
CarePrefers uniformly moist, humus-rich soils and partial shade.
PropagationDivide in spring.
ProblemsInfrequent
Fine Gardening Recommended Products
RAINPOINT Sprinkler Timer with Brass Swivel
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
XLUX Soil Moisture Meter
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
Scotts Cordless Grass-Shear/Shrub-Trimmer Combo
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
- Genus : Hakonechloa
- Plant Height : 1 to 3 feet
- Plant Width : 1 to 3 feet
- Zones : 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
- Light : Full Sun to Partial Shade
- Plant Type : Grasses
- Flower Color : Green
- Moisture : Medium Moisture
- Characteristics : Showy Foliage
- Plant Seasonal Interest : Summer Interest
Plant Characteristics are only available to Fine Gardening members
Sign up for a free trial and get instant access to our complete plant guide as well as our entire collection of articles and videos.