Groundcover & Vines – Clumping – Japanese Forest Grass

Japanese Forest Grass 

Botanical name: hakonechloa macra 

Beginner friendly?: yes 

Average size at maturity: 2 ft in height and in spread 

Hardy zone: zones 5-9 

Growth rate: grows less than 5 inches per year 

Foliage color: green/yellow/red

Flower color: green 

Bloom time:  summer 

Pruning instructions: prune in the late winter/early spring before new growth for the season begins to emerge 

Propagation methods: propagate by division during the spring or fall months 

Landscape use: edging, retaining walls, rock gardens, groundcover 

Special features: disease resistant, deer resistant, pet-friendly, heat tolerant 

Light needs: 2-4 hours of sun per day 

Watering instructions: allow the top 2 inches of soil to dry out between watering sessions 

Fertilizing instructions : fertilize with a slow-release fertilizer and compost once a year in the mid-spring 

Best time to plant: spring, summer 

Best type of soil:  loam, sand 

Companion plants: bamboo, allgold, hosta, ferns 

Toxicity level: non-toxic for humans and pets 

Invasive species: no