Hakone Grass

• Growth Rate: Slow to Moderate; 'All Gold' grows gradually, forming a dense, cascading mound over time.

• Mature Size: Typically reaches a height of 12-18 inches and spreads 18-24 inches wide. Its graceful, arching habit makes it a standout in shaded garden areas.

'All Gold' attracts a variety of beneficial insects and pollinators during its flowering period. While it doesn't produce showy flowers, the grass's dense foliage provides shelter and habitat for small wildlife and insects.

• Flowering Season: Hakonechloa macra 'All Gold' produces small, inconspicuous flowers in late summer to early fall (August to September). The focus of this grass is more on its striking foliage than its flowers.

• Seasonality: This grass is deciduous, meaning it will die back in winter. The vibrant foliage provides visual interest from spring through fall.

– Shade and woodland gardens

– Underplanting trees and shrubs

– Edging along shaded paths or borders

– Groundcover or soft cascading accent in containers

– Asian or Zen-inspired gardens

The leaves are narrow, arching, and a bright, vibrant golden-yellow. They have a soft, flowing texture and create a cascading effect. The foliage turns a rich golden hue in the fall before the plant dies back for winter.

The flowers are small, delicate, and not particularly showy. They appear in feathery spikes and are secondary to the grass's colorful foliage.

Minimal pruning is required for Hakonechloa macra 'All Gold'. Remove any dead or damaged leaves in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. This will help maintain the plant's appearance and health.

'All Gold' prefers consistently moist soil. Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist, especially during dry periods. Ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogging and root rot.

Thrives in partial to full shade. It performs well in areas with filtered light or dappled shade. It can tolerate full shade but may not achieve its vibrant golden color in deeper shade.

Harvesting is not typically necessary for 'All Gold'. However, you can cut back the foliage in late winter or early spring to tidy up the garden and prepare for new growth.

Fertilize 'All Gold' in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. This will support healthy growth and vibrant foliage throughout the growing season. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth.

• Mulching: Apply mulch around the base of the plant to help retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress weeds.

• Winter Care: In colder climates, the plant will die back in winter. Cut back the old foliage in late winter or early spring to prepare for new growth.

– Pollinated by wind (anemophilous), like most ornamental grasses

– Flowers are non-showy and do not attract pollinators

– Not a pollinator plant – offers minimal nectar or pollen for bees/insects

– Reproduction in gardens is typically done via division, not seed

– Hosta – bold foliage contrast with Hakonechloa’s fine, flowing texture

– Heuchera (Coral Bells) – colorful foliage complements golden blades

– Ferns (e.g., Dryopteris, Athyrium) – add airy texture in part to full shade

– Brunnera macrophylla – heart-shaped silvered leaves pair beautifully with golden grass

– Pulmonaria (Lungwort) – spring blooms and speckled leaves add seasonal interest

– Tiarella (Foamflower) – low-growing foliage and soft flowers underplant gracefully

– Astilbe – vertical plumes rise above Hakonechloa’s soft mounds in moist shade

– Epimedium – drought-tolerant option for dry shade with subtle spring blooms

– Carex (Sedge) – adds grassy variety in color, texture, and height