Japanese Forest Grass
Hakonechloa macra
Japanese Forest Grass is a grass for edging, groundcover, mid-border, suited to full sun to partial shade and clay, loam or acid soil, flowering varies by climate.
| Type | Grass |
|---|---|
| Mature height | 45 cm |
| Spread | 60 cm |
| Aspect | full sun to partial shade |
| Foliage | Deciduous |
| Hardiness | USDA 5a-9a, RHS H6 |
| Pollinator-friendly | No |
| Pet-safe | Yes |
Where to use it in a border
At around 45 cm, it sits best along the front edge, where a low, spreading habit reads best. Give it about 60 cm of room to spread. It is hardy across USDA zones 5a to 9a and rated H6 by the RHS, so check it suits your area before planting.
It appears in our lists of shade, clay soil, acid soil, pet-safe plants.
Border Builder uses Japanese Forest Grass's height, spread, soil, bloom months and companions to place it in a full border plan for your own conditions, on iPhone and iPad.
Flowering through the year
Worth knowing
- It tolerates acid soil but dislikes shallow chalk.
- It tolerates a shaded, north-facing spot.
Good companions
Plants that share its conditions and style, chosen to complement its place in the border:
- Japanese Araliafor height behind it
- Black mondo grassto edge in front
- Lily Turfto edge in front
- Azaleafor height behind it
- Camelliafor height behind it
- Camellia 'Adolphe Audusson'for height behind it
Garden styles
Formal Modern Shade cottage Woodland
Sources
Bloom timing and hardiness drawn from: