Hakonechloa

Doris_J · Post by **Doris_J** » Aug 07, 2004 2:21 pm

I love this grass. I've got a few huge clumps in the garden. Here's a close up of the blades. It rained today.

whis4ey · Post by **whis4ey** » Aug 07, 2004 6:17 pm

It looks good Doris

janet · Post by **janet** » Aug 11, 2004 7:16 pm

Great pictures, Doris. I really like this grass and was given some by a friend in a warmer zone. I'm concerned about it surviving my zone 4 winter, though. It's sited against a southwest facing wall, but in partial shade with hosta. Do you have any tips for extra protection I could give it? We have heavy snow cover from November to April.

Doris_J · Post by **Doris_J** » Aug 11, 2004 9:32 pm

Janet, since I'm in Washington state, zone 8, I don't have any personal experience with the cold hardiness of Hakonechloa, but I did some research and found some interesting information on another forum (shhhhh!).

Technically, Hakonechloa is hardy to Zone 6, but this thread I read had everyone in Zones 4 and 5 saying that it did just fine with the cold. One person said he thought the key was to plant it early in the season so the roots have a chance to get well established before winter. The only other requirements for this grass are somewhat humusy soil, adequate moisture, and afternoon shade. I think yours will benefit since it's sited near a wall (probably a warmer spot than out in the open). Remember, it will go completely dormant in winter. Try it out and let us know what happens!

janet · Post by **janet** » Aug 12, 2004 8:32 am

Thanks, Doris. Between the wall, pine boughs as winter mulch, and the constant snow cover I'm hoping I can bring it through. Most zone 4 hardy grasses are pretty boring looking and this one is a stunner. It's worth the extra care.

LucyGoose · Post by **LucyGoose** » Aug 12, 2004 8:57 am

Boy, that second picture is really beautiful!!

Thanks, Doris!!!

Patrushka · Post by **Patrushka** » Aug 12, 2004 1:03 pm

It's beautiful Doris! I love the color.

Post by **Chris_W** » Aug 12, 2004 1:14 pm

I haven't personally had any luck with the gold edged one, but it wasn't a matter of winter but the fact that we've never been able to get good, healthy plant stock

Albo-Striata has grown just fine here over several winters, and my neighbor has had hers even longer.

Doris_J · Post by **Doris_J** » Aug 12, 2004 10:44 pm

It's a grass that's definitely worth growing. Thelma agrees. Good luck!

Old earth dog · Post by **Old earth dog** » Aug 13, 2004 12:11 am

Tell the truth now Doris. You drug that cat don'tca!

Doris_J · Post by **Doris_J** » Aug 13, 2004 8:18 am

Catmint.

Riskey bud · Post by **Riskey bud** » Aug 25, 2004 9:18 am

I've never grown it , but it sure is a beauty!! It's funny to me that I don't see it more widely grown in this area, since it seems to do fine. I've only seen one planting along the edge of some woods, and it was beautiful. Wish I could make a "midnight" trip over there!!! Just kidding , but I don't even know who owns that property since it's not close to any of the homes in the vacinity. I'd probably work a trade or something , if I could figure out who owns the property.

hostapazoola · Post by **hostapazoola** » Aug 25, 2004 9:38 pm

I really like this grass too!

It grows good for me here in zone five (without any extra protection) but I have noticed some of the leaves reverting to a solid green color.

BillyB · Post by **BillyB** » May 08, 2005 10:03 pm

Doris, those look great! I got three small pots of Hakoneckloa Aureola 3 years ago and they grower slower than a 400 year old bonsai Japanese maple

. I know it is suppose to be shade tolerant, but mine are getting sun and shade. Are they suppose to be slow growers? Maybe I got bad stock like what Chris saying about his experiences with it. I've got another nursery trying to locate some more.
Billy

Doris_J · Post by **Doris_J** » May 08, 2005 10:42 pm

Yes, Billy, they're very slow growers! Mine are actually spreading nicely now, but I've had them for a few years (maybe 7-8?). Mine get a good amount of sun, too, but I keep them well watered. Otherwise, I don't think they'd tolerate as much sun.

John · Post by **John** » May 08, 2005 10:55 pm

I love mine! I have two clumps of the golden-edged one, which are increasing very slowly; also the silver/white and green one which is just maintaining...

The golden one has spectacular spring coloring, sort of like red at the base, with the golden/yellow/green leaves extending more each day.

These are awesome for the way clumps appear to have been combed in one direction.

In fact, I believe mine are thanks to Doris_J! They have provided several years of enjoyment!!