Protected Series:
Zone: 5AUREOLA JAPANESE FOREST GRASS
Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola', the iconic Golden Variegated Forest Grass, is a legendary shade-loving perennial that earned the Perennial Plant of the Year award for its extraordinary beauty. This deciduous grass forms a lush, weeping mound of bamboo-like blades, typically reaching 18 to 24 inches in height and width. Its foliage is a stunning tapestry of bright gold with narrow green stripes, creating a luminous "waterfall" effect as it cascades over the edges of containers, stone walls, or woodland paths. In the cooler temperatures of autumn, the golden blades often take on a charming pinkish or reddish tint, adding a final splash of color before the plant goes dormant for the winter.
Caring for 'Aureola' is simple as long as it is protected from the harsh midday sun, which can scorch its variegated leaves. It performs most brilliantly in partial shade; too much deep shade can cause the gold to fade to lime-green, while too much sun can burn the delicate tips. It thrives in humus-rich, consistently moist, well-drained soil and should not be allowed to dry out completely during the growing season. Because it is deciduous, it will turn a tawny tan and die back in late autumn. Maintenance is as easy as cutting the dead foliage to the ground in late winter or very early spring to make room for the fresh, golden-striped shoots to emerge.
| PLANT | SIZE | TYPE | GALENA | ADD'L | DIG | SOON |
| HAKONECHLOA MAC AUREOLA | con 3 | 45 | 0 | 0 | 0 | HAKONECHLOA MAC AUREOLA | TRADE 1 | 33 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
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To help this plant settle in and thrive, we recommend these standard planting practices: Plant in well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH. Water regularly, but avoid overwatering. Prune back after blooming to encourage new growth. Fertilize lightly during the growing season.
Available cultivars in this genus:
