Hakonechloa 'All Gold'

Hakonechloa 'All Gold': Flip On the Gold in Dark Corners

'All Gold' walks into the shade garden like it's got a backstage pass. Arching, bamboo-like blades in bright gold-yellow, lighting up the dark corners for free. NO SUN REQUIRED. JUST SHINE.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Hakonechloa macra 'All Gold'
• Common Name: Japanese Forest Grass, Hakone Grass
• Height: 23–36 cm (9–14 in)
• Spread: 46–61 cm (18–24 in)
• Flowers: Insignificant tan sprays with reddish-brown shading
• Bloom Time: Late summer to early fall (August to September)
• Foliage: Bright gold-yellow, arching, bamboo-like blades; more lime-green in deeper shade
• Features: Spreads slowly by rhizomes, good in containers

Where to Plant: Use it to edge a shady path, light up the front of a shade border, or soften the edge of a wall or step, and it looks great spilling over the rim of a container. Massed on a slope, it reads as a flowing ribbon of gold.

Companion Plants: Use 'All Gold' to light up the front of a moist, shady bed against dark and white partners. Dicentra 'Alba' opens white bleeding hearts at 60 to 90 cm in May and June. Heuchera 'Obsidian' adds near-black foliage at 25 cm. Hosta 'El Nino' brings blue-grey leaves edged in white at 40 to 45 cm. Phegopteris decursive-pinnata adds narrow, lance-shaped fern fronds at 30 to 60 cm.

Plant Care: Plant it in rich, moist, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter. It doesn't like heavy clay, very dry soil or poor drainage. Morning sun with afternoon shade gives the best gold; hot afternoon sun can scorch the leaves. In zone 5, plant early in the season so roots can settle before winter, and tuck fall leaves around the crown as mulch. Remove the leaves in spring. Cut the old foliage to the ground in early spring, before new shoots appear. It spreads slowly, so dividing is rarely needed; if you want more, divide in spring.

History: Hakonechloa macra is the only species in its genus and grows wild only in Japan, and its name means Hakone grass, after the Hakone hot springs area near Mount Hakone on Honshu. 'All Gold' is a solid golden selection of the species, though its exact origin isn't well documented.

Final Thoughts: Try it in a pot by the shady front door. It spreads slowly, so it'll never overstay its welcome. GOLD STANDARD, NO INTEREST RATE.