Japanese Forest Ornamental Grasses (Hakonechloa Macra)

Japanese Forest Ornamental Grasses Description

Japanese Forest Grass is a stunning, deciduous ornamental grass, native to Japan, that adds elegant texture and movement to shaded garden spaces. Known for its graceful, arching foliage, this grass forms dense, mound like clumps of fine, narrow leaves that gently cascade outward, creating a soft, flowing effect. The leaves start off green in spring and early summer, gradually changing to shades of gold, red, and orange as autumn arrives, adding vibrant seasonal interest. In late summer, Japanese Forest Grass produces delicate, inconspicuous flower spikes that rise above the foliage, though its true beauty lies in its foliage and form rather than the flowers.

Pruning Advice

Cutting Back: In late winter or early spring, before the new growth begins, cut back the previous growth to ground level. This helps tidy up the plant and makes way for fresh growth. You can use shears or pruning scissors to trim back dead foliage.

Deadheading: Japanese Forest Grass produces small, delicate flower spikes in late summer, which can be left to provide some winter interest or removed if you prefer a tidier appearance. Deadheading the flower spikes can help maintain its clean, arching shape.

Division: Every 2 to 3 years, you may want to divide the clumps to rejuvenate the plant and prevent it from becoming too dense. This can be done in early spring or autumn, ensuring that the divisions are replanted into well prepared, moist soil.

General Maintenance: While Japanese Forest Grass is relatively low maintenance, ensure it receives consistent moisture, especially during dry spells. Remove any yellowing or damaged leaves throughout the growing season to keep the plant looking fresh and tidy.

Further Information

Graceful Texture and Movement: The soft, arching foliage adds an elegant, flowing texture to shaded areas, making it ideal for woodland gardens, borders, and containers.

Seasonal Colour: The leaves of Japanese Forest Grass transition beautifully through the seasons, from fresh green in spring to golden and red hues in autumn, providing continuous visual interest year round.

Shade Tolerance: Unlike many ornamental grasses, Japanese Forest Grass thrives in partial shade to full shade, making it an excellent choice for low light areas where other plants might struggle.

Low Maintenance: This grass is relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal attention once established. It does well in moist, well drained soils and is fairly drought tolerant once mature, though it performs best with regular watering.

Compact Size: Growing to around 30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 inches) tall, Japanese Forest Grass is perfect for smaller spaces, ground cover, or containers. Its elegant, cascading form complements larger, upright plants in the garden.

Delivery & Returns

Free delivery is available on most orders (except Premium Products) providing they meet the minimum spend criteria for the size of box or pallet. Pallet deliveries and large box deliveries for tall plants are indicated by icons on the product table listings. Delivery costs and minimum order details for each packaging type are as follows:

* Standard Sized Boxes (Bare root up to 1.2m tall & pots up to 7.5L) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £250 | or £9.98 charge.

* Tall Sized Boxes (Bare roots 1.2m & over) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £250 | or £24.99 charge.

* Pallets (Root balls, large pots 10L+, trees etc | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £350 | or £82 charge.

* Pleached Trees (Specialist Delivery) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £1500 | or £450 charge.