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Hakonechloa 'All Gold Japanese Forest Grass' is a stunning ornamental grass known for its vibrant golden foliage and graceful, cascading form. This variety brings a bright, elegant touch to shaded garden areas, making it a favorite for borders, ground cover, and containers throughout the growing season.
Description:
Dimensions: Grows to a height of 12-18 inches with a spread of 12-18 inches. It forms a low, mounding shape with arching, bamboo-like leaves that create a soft, flowing texture.
Sun Exposure: Prefers part shade to full shade, ideally receiving 2-4 hours of indirect or filtered sunlight daily. Thrives in shaded locations, though it can handle some morning sun; too much direct light may scorch its delicate foliage.
Water Requirements: Prefers well-drained, humus-rich soil with regular watering. Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Water when the top inch of soil begins to dry, especially in warmer weather.
Hardiness Zones: Hardy in Zones 5-9.
Bloom Time: Rarely flowers, but when it does, it produces subtle, airy flower spikes in late summer to early fall. The plant is primarily grown for its striking foliage rather than blooms.
Pruning: Minimal pruning required. Trim back dead foliage in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges to maintain a tidy appearance.
How to Plant:
Location: Ideal for garden beds, borders, and containers in shaded or partially shaded areas. Its golden color pops against darker plants, making it perfect for woodland or Zen-style gardens.
Soil Preparation: Use well-draining, humus-rich soil enriched with organic matter like compost. Slightly acidic to neutral soil pH is best for optimal growth and color.
Planting: Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball. Place the plant in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface.
Spacing: Space plants 12-18 inches apart to allow their cascading habit to spread naturally and create a cohesive look.
Watering: Water thoroughly after planting and maintain consistent moisture during the establishment period. Once established, it’s fairly drought-tolerant but performs best with regular hydration.
Fun Fact: Hakonechloa macra 'All Gold' is celebrated for its luminous golden leaves that light up shady corners, offering a striking contrast to green foliage plants. Named after Japan’s Hakone region, this grass adds a serene, almost magical quality to gardens, with its fall hues of red and orange enhancing its year-round appeal.