Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’

Common name: Hakone grass or Japanese forest grass

Description: This clump-forming grass features arching gold leaves that are striped with bright green. A mature plant turns bronze in the fall.

In the landscape: Plant in partial shade. Use along a garden edge or along a bank. It’s also bold enough as a stand-alone in a perennial bed. It’s also a great container plant. It grows best in moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil.

Hardiness: USDA Hardiness Zones 5-9

Nursery propagation: Division or plugs

Awards: Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’ was the 2009 Perennial Plant of the Year.

Photo by Briggs plant propagators; inset photo courtesy of Perennial Plant Association