Hakonechloa 'All Gold'

Hakonechloa macra 'All Gold': Cascading Light for Shaded Corners

A luminous standout in any shade planting, Hakonechloa 'All Gold' offers a bold splash of chartreuse-gold foliage that shimmers through the season. Its gracefully arching, bamboo-like blades form a dense, cascading mound that moves elegantly in the breeze. More upright and intensely coloured than other hakone grasses, it maintains vibrancy even in partial shade and softens beautifully into amber hues in autumn.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 30–40 cm
• Spread: 45–60 cm
• Flower Colour: Inconspicuous
• Flowering Period: Late summer
• Foliage: Arching, narrow golden-yellow blades; fine-textured and flowing
• Sunlight Requirements: Partial shade to full shade (tolerates morning sun)
• Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil

Uses and Benefits: Ideal for brightening shaded beds, underplantings, or woodland paths, 'All Gold' lends contrast and softness to bold foliage schemes. It thrives on slopes, in containers, or as an edging plant where movement and texture are desired. Deer-resistant and slow-growing, it provides a high-impact, low-maintenance solution for refined shade gardens.

Companion Plants: Combine Hakonechloa 'All Gold' with Hosta 'Blue Mouse Ears' for a charming scale and colour contrast. Add Dryopteris erythrosora 'Brilliance' for upright coppery fronds that echo autumn tones. For a pop of vibrancy, include Heuchera 'Forever Red', whose bold foliage intensifies the drama in dappled light.

Care Instructions: Plant in partial to full shade in rich, moisture-retentive soil. Water regularly during dry periods, especially in summer. Cut back old foliage in early spring as new growth emerges. Mulch annually to conserve moisture and enrich the soil. Division is rarely needed but can be done in early spring if clumps become congested.

History: A sport of the species Hakonechloa macra, native to the mountain woodlands of Japan, 'All Gold' was introduced for its brighter foliage and compact form. Its graceful texture and dependable golden colour have made it a modern favourite among designers and collectors alike.

Final Thoughts: Like sunlight caught on a breeze, Hakonechloa 'All Gold' brings life, light, and gentle movement to shaded spaces—elevating even the quietest corners with refined brilliance.