Hakonechloa macra ‘All Gold’
Overview
Uses: Shade gardens, borders, woodland plantings, containers, edging, groundcover massing.
Benefits: Brilliant golden foliage brightens shaded spaces and creates flowing texture. Tolerant of urban conditions and valued for its graceful, cascading form.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5–9
Sun: Partial Shade to Shade
Life Cycle: Hardy Perennial
Growth Habit: Mounding, Spreading — arching blades that cascade outward.
Foliage Color: Golden Yellow
Mature Height: 12–18 inches
Mature Width: 12–18 inches
Bloom Season: Mid to Late Summer
Growth Rate: Moderate
Summary
A luminous ribbon of gold for the shade garden, ‘All Gold’ Japanese Forest Grass brings softness, motion, and light to darker planting spaces.
This ornamental grass forms a tidy, cascading mound of narrow golden blades that gently arch and spill, making it especially effective along pathways, in woodland borders, or softening the edge of containers. While small summer flowers may appear, they are subtle and secondary to the foliage display.
Its adaptability to urban environments and tolerance of air pollution make it a dependable choice for city gardens. When planted in groups, it creates a flowing groundcover effect that adds contrast against darker foliage plants and shaded backdrops.
Care
Hakonechloa macra ‘All Gold’ Care
Plant in partial shade to full shade for best color and foliage quality. In warmer zones, protection from strong afternoon sun helps prevent leaf scorch.
Prefers moist, rich, well-drained soil. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a strong root system. Established plants appreciate consistent moisture and are not considered drought tolerant.
Feed lightly in spring with a
slow release fertilizer
to encourage steady growth.
Avoid cutting back during the active growing season. Trim foliage to approximately 4 inches above ground level in late winter or very early spring before new growth emerges.
Container Growing Notes: This grass performs exceptionally well in containers and patio planters. Containers may require more frequent watering than in-ground plantings. Ensure proper drainage to prevent waterlogged roots.
Plants hardy in the ground may require winter protection when grown in containers in colder zones.
Size
What Size is the Hakonechloa macra ‘All Gold’ for Sale Online?
Plants ship in a greenhouse-grade grow pot and are actively growing at the time of shipment. Each plant is well rooted and appropriately sized for its container. If you need additional details before ordering, please
contact us.
How Large Does Hakonechloa macra ‘All Gold’ Grow?
Mature plants typically form a 12–18 inch tall mound with a similar spread, gradually widening over time to create a dense, cascading groundcover effect.
Additional Information
What are some common names for this plant?
- Golden Hakone Grass
- Golden Japanese Forest Grass
- Golden Forest Grass
Is ‘All Gold’ suitable for shade gardens?
Yes. It is especially valued in shaded landscapes and pairs beautifully with other selections in our
Perennials
collection. Its golden foliage helps brighten darker planting areas.
Can this grass be used as a groundcover?
When planted in groups, it forms a flowing carpet of foliage. Explore additional texture options in our
Ornamental Grasses
collection for complementary combinations.
Is Hakonechloa macra ‘All Gold’ deer resistant?
This grass is generally considered deer resistant once established, making it suitable for landscapes where browsing pressure is present.
