Hakonechloa macra 'Beni Kaze'
perennial

Beni Kaze Japanese Forest Grass

Hakonechloa macra 'Beni Kaze'

$17.99
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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:

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesAdds lush, flowing greenery to shaded garden areas, providing year-round interest.
Practical UsesSuppresses weeds and prevents soil erosion in shaded spots.
Ecological BenefitsSupports shade-loving insects and provides habitat under trees.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

  1. Select a shaded spot with well-draining loam soil.
  2. Tuck roots into prepared soil, ensuring good contact.
  3. Water thoroughly after planting to settle soil.
  4. Mist cuttings or divide clumps in early spring for propagation.
  5. Apply mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
  6. 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

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Divide
Fertilize
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shaded woodland borderGraceful groundcover under treesSoftening edges of shaded pathways

Companion Plants

Hostas Ferns Astilbes Heucheras Japanese maples

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.

Keep exploring

Grow Beni Kaze Japanese Forest 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.

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