Hakone Grass 'Lemon Zest'

Uses: Ornamental grass for shade gardens, ground cover, and container planting.

Benefits: Eye-catching variegated lemon-yellow foliage. Adds vibrant color to shaded areas. Low maintenance.

USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 - 9

Sun: Partial Shade to Full Shade

Life Cycle: Perennial

Mature Height: 12" - 18"

Mature Width: 18" - 24"

Bloom Season: Late summer (insignificant blooms)

Brighten up your shaded garden spaces with the lemon-yellow elegance of Hakonechloa macra 'Lemon Zest'!

Hakonechloa macra 'Lemon Zest'—commonly called Lemon Zest Hakone Grass, and Lemon Zest Japanese Forest Grass—is a species of perennial ornamental grass native to Japan. It's best known for its striking variegated lemon-yellow foliage that adds a vibrant pop of color to shaded areas!

'Lemon Zest' Hakone Grass is perfect for container planting, making it an excellent choice for urban environments where it tolerates poor air quality.

A great ornamental grass for many different locations. Plant groups of them together to create an attractive landscaping groundcover, use in corner beds, as accent pieces, with other perennials, with fencing, or to create borders. 

Tolerates deer, air pollution, and black walnut.

Golden Hakone Grass Care

Hakonechloa macra 'Lemon Zest' is extremely low maintenance and easy to care for. 

Water regularly after planting and throughout its first year of establishment, or in periods of drought. This grass is not drought tolerant, and its ideal soil is moist, rich, and well draining. 

Fertilizations will accelerate growth and keep your plant well fed. We suggest using our slow release fertilizer, or something similar.

It is not suggested to cut or trim this grass during the growing season. 

Cut back to 4" above ground level sometime over the course of winter, prior to spring growth. 

We do not suggest growing this in areas that get too much sun, as leaf burn will likely occur. Conversely, too much shade will likely cause underdeveloped foliage coloration (although it's known to grow in fully shaded areas, especially in hotter, sunnier climates). Zones 7-9 should not place Hakone Grass in an area that gets strong afternoon sun! 

Propagation is best achieved via division.  

Size of Golden Hakone Grass for Sale Online

The Hakonechloa macra 'Lemon Zest' that we sell online will ship in a greenhouse grade grow pot. Each plant will be appropriately sized for its pot. Please contact us with any specific questions.

Size of Golden Hakone Grass When Fully Grown

Hakonechloa macra 'Lemon Zest' typically grows to a fully mature height of around 12" to 18" and a width of around 18" to 24".

Common Names of Hakonechloa macra 'Lemon Zest'

• Lemon Zest Hakone Grass

• Lemon Zest Japanese Forest Grass
  

• Lemon Zest Forest Grass

Toxicity and Risks of Golden Hakone Grass

We were unable to find significant information on the toxicity of Hakonechloa macra 'Lemon Zest'. Generally considered safe for pets and humans, but as with any plant, it’s advisable to prevent excessive ingestion by animals.