Hakonechloa (large)

Family: grasses. Native range - moist, rocky cliffs in the mountains of Japan's main island, Honshu.

Spreads slowly and in a characteristic way: a compact clump sends out shoots that, as they leaf out in one direction, form an interesting cascade. It is distinguished by dark green foliage that resembles bamboo in appearance and takes on a warm pinkish tint in autumn. Because of its unusual appearance it has been given the name "weeping grass". At the end of summer, just above the grass tuft, yellow-green spikelets appear. It is rather rare in trade due to its slow rate of propagation. In cultivation it is usually grown as cultivars and forms.

'Albo-aurea' - the alternately arranged leaves on reddish-brown stems have a warm golden-yellow tint with small green striping. Under sunlight, pink and red spots appear by the end of the season. If the plant receives too much sun, they turn brown.

'Aureola' - the most common. A colorful, elegant grass with long slim golden leaves with green stripes. Leaf color is strongly influenced by temperature. In warm regions the yellow is more intense. Temperature fluctuations in spring and autumn often cause a slight reddening of the leaves. The plant scorches in too-bright sun and loses brightness in shade. The hardiest cultivar.

Location: a warm site sheltered from cold winds, semi-shaded. With sufficient soil moisture, it can grow in a sunny location.

Soil: well-drained, rich in humus.

Care: the plant is demanding of soil moisture. Watering is necessary in dry weather, but it tolerates short periods of drought well. Mulching for the winter is essential. In spring, dead foliage from the previous year is cut back until new growth begins.

Propagation: by dividing clumps in spring. However, larger tufts are the most decorative. Because the plant spreads slowly, do not overdo propagation.

Uses: for edging a low border along a path, where the waterfall effect is most striking. Suitable for decorating slopes, growing in containers, and for underplanting taller plants. An indispensable plant for a Japanese garden.

based on materials from the website www.delasoft.ru