Hakonechloa macra 'Nicolas'
hakonechloa
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- Standard £5.95
This grass dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
- Position: prefers a cool, moist environment in sun or part shade
- Soil: moist, humus-rich soil
- Rate of growth: slow
- Flowering period: August to September
- Hardiness: fully hardy
Hakonechloas are one of the most beautiful of the low growing grasses. They form gently arching mounds of foliage, which are good for adding movement and softness, and look particularly good when partnered with things that have a strong structural silhouette such as clipped box. They are also useful for softening the edges of a path, or spilling over the rim of a pot. Unlike many of the other forms, the green foliage of 'Nicolas' takes on beautiful autumn colour before it dies back, becoming flushed with flame orange and red as the temperatures start to dip, but you may have to wait a couple of years for the plants to mature to have this spectacular display. These plants looks really effective, particularly when they are planted in big clumps or drifts.
Hakonechloa likes a rich, moist soil so incorporate lots of well-rotted garden compost into the planting hole and surrounding area. Plants will not do well in very heavy or excessively dry soil. Leaf colour is usually deeper and longer-lasting in partial shade than full sun. 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. The plant can be late to emerge in spring if soil temperatures are low, and slow to clump so we suggest planting in small groups.