Melinda’s Low Maintenance Plants: Japanese Forest Grass

Add the beauty, texture and motion of ornamental grasses to those shady spots in your landscape. Japanese forest grass (Hakonachloa) is a low maintenance plant that combines nicely with the bold leaves of hostas, lacy ferns and colorful clusters of coral bell leaves.

The arching leaves form an attractive mound reminiscent of the indoor spider plant.  Tiny flowers appear in late summer through fall adding a bit of airy texture to the display.  Enjoy a bit of unexpected color in fall when the leaf tips develop a pink tinge.

Then allow the plants to stand for winter and cut them back in spring before new growth begins.

Japanese forest grass is slow to establish but easy care when grown in the proper location. Plant it in partial to nearly full shade and moist rich soil.  Leaves will scorch when grown in full sun or dry soil and the leaf color will fade in dense shade.

Add several inches of organic matter such as compost or peat moss into the soil before planting. Organic matter improves drainage of heavy clay soils and increases the water holding ability in fast draining rocky or sandy soils.

Spread a one to two inch layer of organic mulch such as shredded leaves or evergreen needles over the soil surface. Pull the mulch away from the crown of the plant to prevent rot.  Mulch helps keep the soil moist, suppresses weeds and as it decomposes, it improves the soil.

Use variegated Japanese forest grass to brighten shady locations. Plant it with dark foliage plants like purple bugbane and blue hostas to create appealing combinations and to help the dark foliage plants stand out in those darker locations.

Allow the leaves to cascade over rock and retaining walls to soften and anchor these structures in the garden. Grow Japanese forest grass along pathways, in natural gardens and even in containers.

And best of all, the deer tend to leave them be and they can be grown near black walnut trees. So, plant a few of these beauties in your shade garden this year.

At a Glance

Name: Japanese Forest Grass or Hakone Grass (Hakonachloa macra)

Size: 20 to 24 inches tall and wide 

Light: Part to nearly full shade

Water: Water new plantings thoroughly and often enough to keep the roots slightly moist. Moist soil is critical when establishing new plants.

Soil: Prefers moist rich, well-drained soil

Written by, gardening expert, Melinda Myers.  Each month Melinda will feature a low maintenance plant perfect for beginning and experienced gardeners looking for attractive easy care plants.  Melinda Myers is a nationally recognized gardening expert with more than 30 years of horticulture experience.  She is a wealth of knowledge and we are pleased to share Melinda’s Low Maintenance Plant of the Month with you!