Hakonechloa 'Aureola'

Hakonechloa 'Aureola': Gold-Striped Cascades for Gloomy Shade

'Aureola' couldn't pick between gold and green, so it wore both. Striped, arching blades flow toward the light like a perfect blowout in a shampoo commercial. THE HAIR HAS VOLUME. THE SHADE HAS GLAMOUR.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola'
• Common Name: Japanese Forest Grass, Golden Variegated Hakone Grass
• Height: 30–46 cm (12–18 in)
• Spread: 30–46 cm (12–18 in), slowly widening over time
• Flowers: Insignificant, airy sprays
• Bloom Time: Late summer (August to September)
• Foliage: Narrow, arching blades striped bright gold and green
• Features: Slow spreader, 2009 Perennial Plant of the Year®, RHS Award of Garden Merit

Where to Plant: Line a shady walkway with it, let it spill over a low wall, or use it to soften the front of a woodland bed. It is also a strong container plant on a shaded patio.

Companion Plants: Plant 'Aureola' at the front of a moist, shady bed with pink bells, a dark fern and colourful hostas. Pulmonaria Opal opens pale opal-blue bells at 30 to 35 cm in April and May. Heuchera 'Paris' adds deep rose-pink bells at 25 cm from May to August. Hosta 'Stained Glass' brings bright gold leaves with green edges at 40 to 50 cm and fragrant flowers in August. Dryopteris affinis rises behind at 60 to 120 cm with arching, deep green fronds.

Plant Care: Give it humus-rich, consistently moist, well-drained soil. Avoid heavy clay and spots that bake dry. In deep shade the colour softens; in full sun the leaves can burn. Bright, dappled shade or morning sun is the sweet spot. Mulch over winter, especially in zone 5. Cut the foliage to the ground in late winter or early spring, before new shoots emerge. It's a slow grower, so be patient for the first couple of years. Divide in spring only if you want more plants.

History: Hakonechloa macra is native only to Japan and is the sole species in its genus, named after the Hakone region on Honshu, and 'Aureola' is its best-known variegated form. It was the Perennial Plant Association's Perennial Plant of the Year® for 2009 and also holds the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

Final Thoughts: Line a shady path and watch every visitor reach out to touch it. The deer don't bother. BEST HAIR DAY OF THE YEAR, EVERY DAY.