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Golden Japanese forest grass

Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’

hak-on-eh-KLO-ah MAK-rah Audio

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

  • 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

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