Aureola Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola')
hak-on-eh-KLO-ah MAK-rah 'Aureola'

Deciduous Perennial Mounding in the Poaceae Family
 
Buy Aureola Japanese Forest Grass
Size Notes Price Availability
#1 gallon Field $16.00 Likely available
2/6 - 2/16
4/3 - 4/6
5/1 - 5/4
#1 gallon Field $16.78 Likely available
2/6 - 2/16
4/3 - 4/6
5/1 - 5/4
#1 gallon Field $17.47 Likely available
2/6 - 2/16
4/3 - 4/6
5/1 - 5/4
Tray of 6 #1 gallons Field

Full Foliage (10/5)

$89.01 Likely available
2/6 - 2/16
4/3 - 4/6
5/1 - 5/4
Tray of 6 #1 gallons Field

Up 15": yellow & green foliage; NICE (10/4)

$96.30 Likely available
2/6 - 2/16
4/3 - 4/6
5/1 - 5/4

Teaser The striped foliage, yellow with thin green lines.

Hakonechloa macra is a lovely, low-growing ornamental grass native to the forests of central Japan. It belongs to the Poaceae family and is the sole species in the Hakonechloa genus.

This perennial grass forms dense, cascading mounds 12-18 inches tall and wide. The foliage consists of long, slender leaf blades that arch and cascade gracefully, creating a lush, fountain-like appearance. The leaves are medium to dark green in color, with a subtle, striped or ribbed texture.

In late spring to early summer, Hakonechloa macra produces delicate, bronze-colored flower panicles that rise above the foliage, adding an extra layer of movement and interest. As the seasons progress, the leaf color may develop rich hues of orange, red, and purple, especially in cooler climates.

Preferring partial to full shade and moist, well-drained, organically rich soil, Japanese Forest Grass thrives in woodland gardens, shaded borders, and container plantings. Its graceful, cascading habit makes it well-suited for slopes, rock gardens, and spilling over walls or the edges of raised beds.

Hakonechloa macra is a slow-growing but long-lived perennial, known for its low-maintenance nature. It requires little pruning or care beyond occasional division to maintain its vigor and shape. This shade-loving grass also makes an excellent companion plant for ferns, hostas, and other woodland-style perennials.

With its elegant, flowing form and seasonal color changes, Hakonechloa macra is a popular choice for adding a touch of softness and movement to shaded garden areas. Its versatility and adaptability make it a valuable asset to many types of ornamental plantings.

 

Plant Data

Mature Size 12 - 18 inches tall. 12 - 18 inches wide.
Growth Rate Slow
Sun Exposure Partial Sun - Full Shade
Moisture Tolerance Medium
Zones 5a - 9b (Usually hardy to -20° F)
Tags Deciduous, Deer Resistant, Full Shade, Grasses, Grown For Attractive Foliage, Low Maintenance, Medium, Partial Sun, Perennial, Popular For Fall, Shade Tolerant Ornamental Grass, Partial Sun Perennials, Small Perennials, Spring Blooming Perennials
Bloom Period July to August
Flower Color Yellow
Foliage Color
 

Awards

 

More Info from Experts

Photos of This with...

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Pricing and Availability History

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Limited Availability

We try very hard to source exactly what you’d like, but sometimes growers run out of plants! While this variety is a great deal at the price shown, we know that it has limited availability. If you want the plant even if it might be more expensive, or in a different size or quantity -- after you place your order, just send us a quick note at help@northshoreplantclub.com. Then, we’ll try to get you some version of this from one of our growers. And if we can’t get it from anywhere, of course, we’ll send a refund!


Field-Grown vs. Greenhouse-Grown Plants

Plants which are well-adapted to our local climate are most often field-grown (outside). Field-grown plants are generally cheaper and have the advantage of already somewhat acclimated to our cold winters, but that means they’re not artificially far along in the spring and tend to bloom at the normal time in our area.

Spring annuals and tender perennials are typically grown in Greenhouses so they can be ready and luxurious exactly when customers want them. Some perennials are also “forced” into early bloom in greenhouses. In May, there can be a very big difference between field-grown and greenhouse-grown plants of the same type. The latter typically look good right away (so they’re a great choice where that’s important), but we typically pay a premium for it.


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No Pricing or Availability Right Now

We order from a rotating cast of the best nurseries in the Great Lakes region. It looks like we've offered this plant in the past, but the nurseries we're working with this week don't appear to have it in stock at the moment.

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