The Story
Plant Bio
Hakonechloa macra 'Albovariegata' is a low-growing, graceful grass with arching, bamboo-like foliage featuring variegated green and creamy-yellow stripes, and produces subtle, airy flower panicles in summer.
This cultivar is distinguished by its striking variegated foliage, which adds a luminous quality to shaded garden areas and enhances landscape texture with its flowing, ornamental habit.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
12 inches
Width
24 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Moderate, keep soil moist
Humidity
Prefers humid conditions
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Japan
Toxicity
Non-toxic to pets and humans
Bloom period
Mid-summer – Late fall
In flower about 5 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck shallow roots in well-draining soil
- Mist cuttings regularly to increase humidity
- Plant in partial shade for best variegation
- Water consistently, especially in dry periods
- Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds
- Divide every 3–4 years to maintain vigor
Pro Tip
Plant in partial shade with moist, well-drained soil for best variegation.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Divide in early spring to encourage new growth
- Mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature
Don't
- Avoid full sun which can scorch variegated leaves ❌
- Do not let soil dry out completely
- Refrain from heavy fertilization to prevent leggy growth
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Albovariegata Variegated Hakone Grass questions
What zones can Albovariegata Variegated Hakone Grass grow in?
Albovariegata Variegated Hakone Grass is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Albovariegata Variegated Hakone Grass deer resistant?
Yes — Albovariegata Variegated Hakone Grass is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Albovariegata Variegated Hakone Grass bloom?
Albovariegata Variegated Hakone Grass typically blooms in mid-summer through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Albovariegata Variegated Hakone Grass need full sun?
Albovariegata Variegated Hakone Grass does best in part shade.
More Hakonechloa to compare
Golden Japanese Forest Grass
Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola'
Alboaurea Variegated Hakone Grass
Hakonechloa macra 'Alboaurea'
Japanese Forest Grass
Hakonechloa macra
Nicolas Japanese Forest Grass
Hakonechloa macra 'Nicolas'
Beni Kaze Japanese Forest Grass
Hakonechloa macra 'Beni Kaze'
All Gold Hakone Grass
Hakonechloa macra 'All Gold'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Albovariegata Variegated Hakone Grass with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.