“Hakonechloa macra “Aureola”
- The Role of Grass Types in Creating the Serene and Natural Ambiance of Japanese Gardens
- I. Grass Types and Varieties: Common Grasses for Japanese Gardens
- 1) Carex hachijoensis: Evergold Sedge
- 2) Hakonechloa macra: "Aureola"
- 3) Imperata cylindrica: Japanese blood grass
- 4) Miscanthus sinensis: Chinese Silvergrass
- 5) Phragmites australis: Common Reed
- 6) Muhlenbergia capillaris: Pink Muhlygrass
- 7) Schizachyrium scoparium: Little Bluestem
- 8) Sorghastrum nutans: Indian Grass
- 9) Sporobolus heterolepis: Prairie Dropseed
- II. Table Comparison of Common Grasses for Japanese Gardens
- Conclusion
Grasses like Hakonechloa are popular for their adaptability and aesthetic contribution to garden tranquility.
Understanding the right care practices can ensure a lush, vibrant Japanese garden landscape.
Grass care in Japanese gardens is a balance of traditional techniques and modern horticultural knowledge.
The Role of Grass Types in Creating the Serene and Natural Ambiance of Japanese Gardens
Japanese gardens are known for their minimalist beauty, evoking a sense of peace and simplicity. Each grass type in a Japanese garden adds its own unique texture, movement, and color. The right choice can enhance the garden’s calming effect, while the wrong one might disrupt the visual harmony. Therefore, understanding the characteristics of different grasses is crucial for any gardener looking to create or maintain a Japanese garden. Some grasses thrive in the shade, while others need full sun to show their best colors.
Disclaimer: The plant list and variety descriptions included in this article are based on recommendations from Yoko Kawaguchi as found in ‘Authentic Japanese Gardens’ book. This article serves as a reference guide and does not intend to infringe upon the intellectual property rights of the author or publisher.
I. Grass Types and Varieties: Common Grasses for Japanese Gardens
1) Carex hachijoensis: Evergold Sedge
“Carex hachijoensis Evergold Sedge …”
For the variety Carex hachijoensis “Evergold”, also known as hachijo-kansuge, it is a distinctive and ornamental grass that brings a unique texture and color contrast to Japanese gardens or any garden setting that appreciates the beauty of variegated foliage. This variety is particularly noted for its striking appearance and adaptability to a range of garden conditions.
| Size | USDA Hardiness Zone | Features | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Height: 30 cm (1 foot) Width: 35 cm (1 foot 2 inches) | 5 – 10 | – Variegated foliage (creamy yellow and green) – Narrow leaves with yellow central stripe – Year-round interest – Tufted, evergreen growth habit | – Low-maintenance – Light trimming in late winter/early spring – Pest and disease resistant |
2) Hakonechloa macra: “Aureola”
“Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’ aka …”
The Hakonechloa macra “Aureola”, also known as uraha-gusa or fuchi-so, is a variegated cultivar of the Japanese forest grass, which is a deciduous, clump-forming perennial grass. This ornamental grass is highly valued for its aesthetic appeal and its ability to thrive in garden conditions that are often challenging for other grasses.
| Size | USDA Hardiness Zone | Features | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Height: 36 cm (1 foot 2 1⁄2 inches) Width: 40 cm (1 foot 4 inches) | 5 – 9 | – Bright gold leaves with green stripes – Red-tinted foliage in autumn – Prefers moist soil and partial shade – Best in rich, well-drained soil | – Low-maintenance – Slow grower – Needs consistent moisture – Pest and disease resistant – Deer resistant |
3) Imperata cylindrica: Japanese blood grass
“Imperata cylindrica (L.) Raeusch …”
Imperata cylindrica “Rubra”, commonly known as Japanese blood grass or chigaya, is a horticultural selection of the species Imperata cylindrica, which is widely known as cogongrass. This ornamental grass is appreciated for its striking coloration and is used to add visual interest to garden landscapes.
| Size | USDA Hardiness Zone | Features | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Height: Up to 50 cm (1 foot 8 inches) Width: Not specified | 5 – 9 | – Leaves turn blood-red, especially in fall – Does not set seed – Propagated by division – Less aggressive than species – Dramatic contrast in garden settings | – Minimal maintenance – Thrives in full sun to partial shade – Prefers moist, well-drained soil – May require monitoring to prevent spread – Check local regulations before planting |
4) Miscanthus sinensis: Chinese Silvergrass
Miscanthus sinensis Chinese Silver
The scientific name for this plant is Miscanthus sinensis, and it is commonly known as Chinese silvergrass or susuki in Japanese.
| Features | Maintenance |
|---|---|
| – Cultural significance in Japan – Used in traditional crafts and rituals – Featured in Japanese art and poetry – Highly invasive in many regions – Can outcompete native vegetation | – Caution advised due to invasive nature – Regular monitoring required – Consider non-invasive alternatives – Check local regulations before planting |
5) Phragmites australis: Common Reed
Common Reed (Phragmites australis …”
The scientific name for this plant is Phragmites australis, and it is commonly referred to as the common reed or ashi in Japanese.
| Features | Maintenance |
|---|---|
| – Cultural significance in Japan – Forms dense stands in wetlands – Highly invasive species – Can displace native vegetation – Dominates wetland ecosystems | – Avoid planting due to invasive nature – Consider non-invasive alternatives – Regular monitoring if present – Check local regulations before any management – May require professional removal |
6) Muhlenbergia capillaris: Pink Muhlygrass
“Pink Muhly Grass (Muhlenbergia …”
The scientific name for this plant is Muhlenbergia capillaris, and it is commonly known as pink muhlygrass. Pink muhlygrass is celebrated for its superb pink flower plumes that create a striking display in the autumn. These delicate and airy plumes add a soft, textural contrast to the garden landscape and can catch the light beautifully, creating a shimmering effect.
| Size | USDA Hardiness Zone | Features | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Height: 90 cm (3 feet) Width: 90 cm (3 feet) | 5 – 9 | – Pink flower plumes in autumn – Delicate, airy texture – Creates shimmering effect in light – Effective as ground cover or accent plant – Thrives in sandy or rocky soils | – Prefers full sun exposure – Requires well-drained soil – Low maintenance once established – Drought-tolerant after establishment |
7) Schizachyrium scoparium: Little Bluestem
“Grass | This is Schizachyrium scoparium …”
The scientific name for this plant is Schizachyrium scoparium, and it is commonly known as little bluestem.
| Size | USDA Hardiness Zone | Features | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Height: Up to 1.2 m (4 feet) Width: Not specified | 3 – 9 | – Medium-sized grass – Adds vertical interest – Suitable for naturalized areas – Disease-free – Useful for erosion control | – Cut back old foliage in late winter/early spring – Prefers well-drained soil – Grows in full sun to partial shade – Low maintenance once established |
8) Sorghastrum nutans: Indian Grass
“Sorghastrum nutans (Indian Grass)”
The scientific name for this plant is Sorghastrum nutans, and it is commonly known as Indian grass.
| Size | USDA Hardiness Zone | Features | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Height: 90-150 cm (3-5 feet) Width: Not specified | 4 – 9 | – Tall, clump-forming perennial grass – Adds vertical structure and texture – Plume-like seed heads in late summer/fall – Adaptable to various soil types – Drought-tolerant once established | – Cut back old foliage in late winter/early spring – Prefers well-drained soils – Low maintenance once established – Suitable for xeriscaping |
9) Sporobolus heterolepis: Prairie Dropseed
“Prairie Dropseed Grass, Sporobolus …”
The scientific name for this plant is Sporobolus heterolepis, and it is commonly known as prairie dropseed. Prairie dropseed is a slow-to-establish but long-lived grass that is native to North America. It is known for its scented flowers that appear late summer through to early autumn, adding a pleasant aroma to the garden during this period.
| Size | USDA Hardiness Zone | Features | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Height: 60-90 cm (2-3 feet) Width: Not specified | 3 – 9 | – Native to North America – Scented flowers in late summer/early autumn – Fine-textured foliage – Graceful form – Slow to establish but long-lived | – Prefers well-drained soils – Drought-tolerant once established – Minimal maintenance required – Suitable for naturalistic plantings |
II. Table Comparison of Common Grasses for Japanese Gardens
|
Scientific and Common Name |
Description |
Size (Height x Width) |
USDA Hardiness Zones |
Care Tips |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Carex hachijoensis (Evergold Sedge) |
An evergreen sedge with creamy yellow and green variegated foliage, tufted and adaptable to various light conditions |
30 cm x 35 cm (1′ x 1’2″) |
Zones 5-10 |
Light trimming in late winter/early spring, prefers moist well-drained soil, pest and disease resistant |
|
Hakonechloa macra (Aureola) |
A variegated Japanese forest grass with bright gold leaves and green stripes, red-tinted in autumn |
36 cm x 40 cm (1’2½” x 1’4″) |
Zones 5-9 |
Consistent moisture, slow grower, prefers partial shade, pest and disease-free, deer resistant |
|
Imperata cylindrica (Japanese blood grass) |
A grass with distinctive blood-red leaf tips, more controlled and garden-friendly than the species |
Up to 50 cm long leaves |
Zones 5-9 |
Minimal maintenance, prefers full sun to partial shade, moist well-drained soil |
|
Miscanthus sinensis (Chinese Silvergrass) |
Culturally significant in Japan, but recognized as an invasive species |
Not specified |
Not specified |
Consider non-invasive alternatives due to its invasive nature |
|
Muhlenbergia capillaris (Pink Muhlygrass) |
Known for its superb pink flower plumes in autumn, thrives in sandy or rocky well-drained soils, full sun |
Up to 90 cm (3′) |
Zones 5-9 |
Minimal maintenance, prefers full sun |
|
Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem) |
A medium-sized grass that adds vertical interest and is disease-free, useful for erosion control |
Up to 1.2 meters (4′) |
Zones 3-9 |
Cut back old foliage in late winter to early spring |
|
Sorghastrum nutans (Indian Grass) |
Tall, clump-forming, adaptable to various soil types, drought-tolerant |
90 to 150 cm (3 to 5′) |
Zones 4-9 |
Cut back old foliage in late winter to early spring |
|
Sporobolus heterolepis (Prairie Dropseed) |
Scented flowers late summer to early autumn, native to North America, fine-textured foliage |
60 to 90 cm (2 to 3′) |
Zones 3-9 |
Drought-tolerant once established, minimal maintenance, prefers well-drained soils |
Conclusion
The tranquility of a Japanese garden is deeply influenced by the grasses that sweep its landscape. Making the right selection is not just about the visual appeal; it’s about creating a serene sanctuary that resonates with the spirit of nature. Grasses that are carefully chosen for their adaptability to light conditions, growth habits, and color can transform a simple garden into a Zen retreat.
By understanding the unique needs of each grass variety, you can ensure that your garden remains a verdant oasis that soothes the soul and captivates the eye.
