
Beni Kaze Japanese Forest Grass
Hakonechloa macra 'Beni Kaze'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
16 inches
Width
24 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Moist, well-drained
Humidity
Prefers moderate to high humidity
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Japan
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
The Story
Plant Bio
Hakonechloa macra, commonly known as Japanese forest grass, is a graceful, clumping perennial with arching, bamboo-like foliage that displays vibrant green and yellow hues, producing airy, cascading flower panicles in late summer. The cultivar 'Beni Kaze', meaning 'red wind' in Japanese, has green leaves that develop red tips and streaks in late summer, intensifying to brilliant red and orange hues in the autumn.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a shaded spot with well-draining loam soil.
- Tuck roots into prepared soil, ensuring good contact.
- Water thoroughly after planting to settle soil.
- Mist cuttings or divide clumps in early spring for propagation.
- Apply mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Monitor soil moisture regularly, keep evenly moist.
Pro Tip
Prefers shaded areas with moist, well-drained soil for optimal growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Tuck in mulch to conserve moisture 🌱
- Water regularly during dry spells
- Divide every 3-4 years to rejuvenate
Don't
- Avoid full sun exposure, it causes leaf scorch ❌
- Don’t let soil dry out completely
- Refrain from heavy fertilization
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Beni Kaze Japanese Forest Grass questions
What zones can Beni Kaze Japanese Forest Grass grow in?
Beni Kaze Japanese Forest 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 Beni Kaze Japanese Forest Grass deer resistant?
Yes — Beni Kaze Japanese Forest Grass is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Beni Kaze Japanese Forest Grass bloom?
Beni Kaze Japanese Forest Grass typically blooms in late summer through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Beni Kaze Japanese Forest Grass need full sun?
Beni Kaze Japanese Forest Grass does best in part shade.
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