variegated Japanese forest grass
© Richie Steffen / Great Plant Picks
© Richie Steffen / Great Plant Picks
© Richie Steffen / Great Plant Picks
Hakonechloa macra 'Albovariegata' is an elegant grass worthy of a spot in every garden. Slow growing, graceful mounds of tastefully variegated, narrow arching blades ripple in the gentlest breeze. Its long, narrow rich green leaves have slim bands of creamy white running their length providing interest without over-powering color. Japanese forest grass produces delicate airy seedheads that dance above its foliage from mid-summer through frost. As fall temperatures cool, the foliage takes on a slightly rosy-pink blush, finally turning butterscotch before collapsing for winter. This clone is also often sold under the name 'Albostriata.'
Plant Type: perennial
Foliage Type: deciduous
Plant Height (10-year): 2 ft. 0 in. (0.61 meters)
Plant Width/Spread (10-year): 6 ft. 0 in. (1.83 meters)
Hardiness: USDA Zones 5 to 8
Sun/Light Exposure: light to dappled shade
Water Requirements: regular watering during dry weather
Resistant to: deer
Plant this Japanese forest grass in well-drained soil with light to dappled shade, avoid hot afternoon sun. Provide regular watering during dry weather to keep the grass looking lush and full. It can be divided in winter to early spring before the new foliage starts to emerge. Fall color is a pleasant straw tone; once it browns it can be cut to the ground.
syn Albostriata
Text and photos ©2020 Great Plant Picks/Elisabeth Carey Miller Garden except where otherwise noted
Funded by the Pendleton and Elisabeth Carey Miller Charitable Foundation, The Seattle Times, and Individual Donors
Administered by the Elisabeth Carey Miller Botanical Garden