Hakonechloa

Hakonechloa macra

• Position: prefers a cool, moist environment in sun or part shade
• Soil: moist, humus-rich soil
• Rate of growth: slow, non-invasive
• Flowering period: late June to early July
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  A small, ornamental grass native to the wet, rocky cliffs of Japan's Honshu Island, including the area around Mount Hakone, after which the species is named. It is a slow spreading, semi-evergreen grass which builds into gently cascading hummocks of bright green that are useful as a simple understorey to light shrubs and as a soft edging to paths or steps. Fine, light sprays of lime green flowers appear during June and July, giving a billowing lightness to planted drifts. The clean, minimalist style of this grass makes it a good choice for formal courtyards or in minimalist urban planters and the fresh green foliage gradually acquires rich russet tones as autumn advances.

• Garden care: Incorporate lots of well-rotted garden compost into the planting hold. Leave flower heads to dry out through the winter, adding valuable texture to plantings. Apply a light mulch (3cm) of well-rotted garden compost after cutting back old foliage and before new growth emerges in spring.