Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’ AGM

Golden Japanese Forest Grass Poaceae

One of those rare grasses that looks as though someone has spilled liquid gold down a woodland path. ‘Aureola’ forms elegant, cascading mounds of arching foliage, each leaf striped and flushed in rich golden-yellow with green, creating a luminous effect that becomes particularly effective in dappled shade. Unlike many variegated plants, it does not sulk in lower light; indeed, morning sun or bright woodland shade produces some of its best colour, while strong afternoon sun can scorch the foliage in hot, dry conditions. The cultivar arose as a sport of the Japanese species and was selected and introduced by Kurt Bluemel Inc. in the USA, becoming one of the best-known forms of Hakonechloa macra. Slowly spreading by short rhizomes but emphatically not a runner, it makes an excellent groundcover beneath trees, along paths or spilling over walls.

Cultivar origin: Sport of Hakonechloa macra, selected in Japan and introduced into horticulture by Kurt Bluemel Inc., USA.
Flowering: August–September
Hardiness: H5, approximately −15 to −10°C
Height: 30–45 cm
Spread: 45–60 cm