Hakonechloa macra 'Samurai'

Japanese Forest Grass Poaceae

A particularly handsome variegated form of the much-loved Japanese Forest Grass, ‘Samurai’ forms neat, arching cushions of narrow green leaves boldly striped with creamy-white and pale yellow. The effect is luminous without becoming garish, particularly when planted where morning or filtered light can illuminate the foliage. It is a slow-growing, clump-forming grass, gradually expanding by short rhizomes but making no attempt to conquer the neighbourhood, and is therefore exceptionally useful for planting beneath trees, along paths or spilling over the edges of walls. Happiest in a moisture-retentive, humus-rich soil, it tolerates considerably more shade than its sunny appearance might suggest, although some filtered light helps maintain strong variegation. The foliage takes on warm golden and russet tones in autumn before dying back for winter. A superb choice where you want the grace of Hakonechloa with rather more visual punctuation.

Cultivar origin: Horticultural selection of Hakonechloa macra; original raiser and date of introduction undocumented.
Flowering: July–August
Hardiness: H7, below −20°C
Height: 30–45 cm
Spread: 45–60 cm