Plant It Where the Sun Don't Shine (Hakonechloa macra)
Posted by John Friel on Nov 26th 2021
Most ornamental grasses thrive in full sun. But most gardens include spots the sun never finds. Must those places remain grassless? Fortunately, no!
The shaded landscape can also enjoy the graceful form and movement that only grasses bring. The go-to genus: Hakonechloa, Japanese forest grass.
This sinuous beauty grows as water flows, welling up and cascading down in layers of pendant bamboo-like leaves. It’s happiest in shade, dappled or full. Northern growers can get away with brighter plantings, but the warmer the summer, the more protection it appreciates.
Strong demand is something we count on with this genus. You can, too.
Available to ship in December, we have:
It says here, the straight species is underappreciated. It has the same supple, flowing habit as its variegated variants, but in rich, solid green. Bonuses: It’s a tad taller and grows a bit more vigorously.
Height 1 – 3’. Hardy in Zones 5 – 9.
This is the one that gets most of the attention. Glorious green/gold striped foliage subtly illuminates the wooded border. This was the Perennial Plant of the Year in 2009 – one of only four grasses to stand atop that prestigious podium.
Height 14-18”. Hardy in Zones 5 – 9.
Bring a new shade to the shade! 'All Gold' looks just like the name sounds, with waves of solid gold foliage dazzling the dappled garden. Unlike yellow-leaved forms of many plant species, this one is typically more robust than the others!
Height 14 – 20”. Hardy in Zones 5 – 9.
Back to that strong demand: There are two good reasons to give yourself a head start with this crop.
1. Hakonechloa grows more slowly than most ornamental grasses. You’ll need more time to make full, lush, retail-ready pots.
2. Due to the production cycle, when these two varieties are gone, we’ll have no Hakonechloa of any kind for you again until late next year.
When your gardening thoughts turn dark, think Hakonechloa. Think what it can do when you plant it where the sun don’t shine. Then think Emerald Coast Growers – your easy choice!