Also known as Japanese Forest Grass · 440 gardener saves
Hakonechloa: the varieties gardeners actually grow
Hakonechloa, the genus most gardeners know as japanese forest grass. We track 7 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 7 most-saved Hakonechloa varieties
Of 7 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedGolden Japanese Forest Grass
Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola'
#2 most savedVariegated Hakone Grass
Hakonechloa macra 'Alboaurea'
#3 most savedJapanese Forest Grass
Hakonechloa macra
Nicolas Japanese Forest Grass
Hakonechloa macra 'Nicolas'
Beni Kaze Japanese Forest Grass
Hakonechloa macra 'Beni Kaze'
Variegated Hakone Grass
Hakonechloa macra 'Albovariegata'
All Gold Hakone Grass
Hakonechloa macra 'All Gold'
How to grow Hakonechloa
What the Hakonechloa varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 7 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Hakonechloa year
- DivideMarch and April100% of varieties
Divide congested clumps every 3-5 years in early spring
- FertilizeMarch and April71% of varieties
Apply a light, balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring
- Spring CleanupFebruary and March71% of varieties
Cut old foliage back to 2-3 inches before new growth appears
- MulchMarch43% of varieties
Apply 2 inches of mulch to retain moisture and keep roots cool
- PlantMarch, April, September and October43% of varieties
Plant in moist, well-drained soil in shade or part shade
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Water consistently to keep soil moist 🌱
- Divide in early spring to encourage new growth
- Mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature
- Mulch to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature
Avoid
- Avoid full sun which can scorch variegated leaves ❌
- Do not let soil dry out completely
- Refrain from heavy fertilization to prevent leggy growth
- Avoid overwatering which can cause root rot ❌
What goes wrong with Hakonechloa
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and curling leaves | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Root rot | Wilting and browning leaves | Ensure well-draining soil and reduce watering |
| Slugs | Chewed or ragged leaf edges | Apply organic slug bait or hand-pick during damp evenings |
| Slugs and snails | Irregular holes or slime trails on leaves | Use organic slug bait or handpick during damp evenings |
| Root rot | Wilting despite adequate watering, blackened roots | Improve drainage and reduce watering frequency |
| Rust | Orange pustules on leaves | Remove affected leaves and improve air circulation |
Making more Hakonechloa
Division
- Dig up mature clump in early spring
- Separate into smaller sections with roots intact
- Replant immediately in desired location
- Water thoroughly after planting
- Repeat every 3–4 years
Cuttings
- Take softwood cuttings in late spring
- Dip in rooting hormone
- Plant in moist, well-draining soil
- Maintain humidity and indirect light
- Roots form in 6 weeks
Hakonechloa questions
How many types of Hakonechloa are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 7 distinct Hakonechloa varieties. The most popular — ranked by 440 real gardener saves — are shown first above.
What zones does Hakonechloa grow in?
Across its varieties, Hakonechloa covers USDA Zones 5–9. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Hakonechloa bloom?
Most Hakonechloa varieties bloom in late summer, mid-summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Hakonechloa should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.
Keep exploring
Hakonechloa shows up in
By hardiness zone
Design with Hakonechloa in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
