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japanese forest grass nz

If you're searching for "japanese forest grass nz" to create a lush, elegant garden with year-round interest, you've found one of the best ornamental grasses for New Zealand gardens. Japanese forest grass, also known as Hakonechloa macra, thrives in our temperate climate and brings graceful, arching foliage to both shady and semi-shaded spots. This easy-care grass originates from the forested mountains of Japan and is beloved for its flowing form and vibrant colour changes throughout the seasons. Perfect for underplanting trees, brightening up borders, or spilling over the edge of garden beds, it’s a favourite among NZ landscapers and home gardeners wanting a touch of Japanese-style serenity.

Chrysopogon zizanioides grass plants growing alongside a stream.

Chrysopogon zizanioides

Chrysopogon zizanioides (Vetiver Grass) is a hardy, evergreen clump forming grass renowned for its deep root system, attractive upright foliage, and exceptional ability to stabilise slopes and prevent erosion. It is also valued as an ornamental grass for landscaping and thrives in a wide range of New Zealand conditions.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Grasses
Height: 1.75 m
Spread: 1.25 m
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wet, Wind
Garden uses: Living areas, Ponds
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Riparian
Hakonechloa macra 'Albovariegata' plant.

Hakonechloa 'Albovariegata'

5 from 1 customers

Hakonechloa macra 'Albovariegata', commonly known as variegated Japanese Forest Grass, features lush foliage that is variegated dark green with narrow, cream stripes. It grows as a large, soft looking mound to about 1 m tall and the same wide.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Grasses
Height: 1.00 m
Spread: 1.00 m
Tolerances: Coastal
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Parks, Paths & Steps, Ponds, Pool areas, Specimen
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Woodland
An elegant Miscanthus sinensis grass with cream-coloured flower plumes and lush green foliage.
Miscanthus sinensis

Miscanthus sinensis is an ornamental grass that grows as a clump of narrow, arching, green leaves. The colouring gives a light silver-green effect to...

From$19.95
Lomandra 'Echidna' grass growing as a mass planting beside a path.
Lomandra Echidna

Lomandra 'Echidna' is a hardy evergreen ornamental grass with a dense compact habit and fine textured foliage. It is an excellent choice for NZ...

From$17.87
Acorus gramineus variegata plants growing in pots with green and cream foliage.
Acorus gramineus variegatus

Acorus gramineus variegatus, commonly known as Variegated Sweet Flag, is an attractive ornamental grass-like plant prized for its elegant green and...

From$12.95
Cyperus ustulatus growing in water.
Cyperus ustulatus (Giant Umbrella Sedge)

Cyperus ustulatus, commonly known as the Giant Umbrella Sedge, is a large and robust NZ native grass. It grows as a clump and produces dark green...

From$17.25
Sisyrinchium californicum plants with yellow flowers and fine, green foliage.
Sisyrinchium californicum

Sisyrinchium californicum, commonly known as the Golden Eyed Grass, is an herbaceous perennial grown for both its foliage and flowers. It bears...

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Orange foliage on Carex testacea.
Carex testacea

Carex testacea, commonly known as Orange Sedge, is a striking New Zealand native grass admired for its fine, arching foliage that turns a brilliant...

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Lomandra Green Allure plant with lush, green foliage.
Lomandra Green Allure

Lomandra 'Green Allure' is a hardy evergreen ornamental grass with fine fresh green foliage and a neat clumping habit. It is an excellent choice for...

From$19.25
Zebra grass (Miscanthus 'Zebrinus') leaves with cream and green stripes.
Miscanthus 'Zebrinus'

Miscanthus 'Zebrinus' (Zebra Grass) is a striking ornamental grass recognised for its bold horizontal yellow banding across arching green leaves...

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isolepsis-cernua-1
Isolepis cernua (Scirpus cernua)

Isolepis cernua (Fiber Optic Grass) is a distinctive ornamental grass prized for its fine green stems tipped with tiny white flowers that resemble...

From$16.49
Poa cita grass plants on a plateau overlooing the sea.
Poa cita

Poa cita, commonly known as Silver Tussock, is a clump-forming NZ native grass with delicate, green foliage that wafts gracefully in the breeze. It...

From$9.95
Carex flagellifera Green plant with lush and colourful foliage.
Carex flagellifera Green

Carex flagellifera Green is a NZ native, ornamental grass grown for its attractive foliage. It produces slender and lush, green leaves as it grows to...

From$12.95
Festuca coxii (Blue Fescue) grass growing in a garden.
Festuca coxii (Blue Fescue)

Festuca coxii, commonly known as Blue Fescue, is a hardy NZ native, ornamental grass that features fine, blue foliage. Straw-coloured seed heads...

From$14.49
Carex 'Frosted Curls' plants with elegant green foliage growing in a pot with other plants.
Carex 'Frosted Curls'

Carex 'Frosted Curls' is an ornamental grass with slender, hair-like, iridescent foliage that shimmers in light breezes. It typically grows to 30 cm...

From$11.50
festuca-banks-peninsula-blue-1
Festuca 'Banks Peninsula Blue' (Blue Fescue Grass)

Festuca 'Banks Peninsula Blue' is a striking ornamental grass valued for its fine, steel blue foliage that forms neat, compact clumps. This hardy...

From$14.49
Dactylis glomerata plant with a cat.
Dactylis glomerata (Cat Grass)

Dactylis glomerata, commonly known as Cat Grass or Catnip Grass, is a popular grass that is loved by cats. It features flowing, green foliage held as...

From$22.01
Carex comans green plants with dense, green foliage in a garden.
Carex comans 'Green'

Carex comans 'Green' is a NZ native, ornamental grass featuring slender and arching, lime green foliage. It grows as a tidy clump to about 40 cm tall...

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Lomandra Tankia with lush green foliage bordering a path.
Lomandra 'Tanika'

Lomandra Tanika is a hardy, Australian Native grass that is commonly known as Mat Rush. This grass features fine, deep-green foliage and a graceful...

From$10.97
Calamagrostis 'Karl Foerster' grasses as a mass planting and featuring elegant, cream-coloured flower heads as plumes.
Calamagrostis 'Karl Foerster'

Calamagrostis 'Karl Foerster' is a popular ornamental grass known for its upright, clump-forming habit and tall, feathery flower plumes. It grows to...

From$19.95
Lomandra Lime Tuff in a garden showing elegant foliage.
Lomandra 'Lime Tuff'

Lomandra 'Lime Tuff' is a hardy evergreen ornamental grass valued for its vibrant lime green foliage and compact tidy growth habit. This versatile...

From$17.87
pachysandra-terminalis-5
Pachysandra terminalis

Pachysandra terminalis, commonly known as Japanese Spurge, is a hardy evergreen groundcover valued for its glossy dark green foliage and dense...

From$23.39
Ophiopogon japonicus Silver Mist grass in a garden.
Ophiopogon 'Silver Mist' (Silver Mondo Grass)

Ophiopogon 'Silver Mist' is a dwarf silver Mondo Grass, and features fine, grass-like foliage that is variegated dark green and white. It typically...

From$6.95
Carex dissita (Purei) plant growing in a native garden.
Carex dissita (Purei)

Carex dissita, commonly known as Purei or Forest Sedge, features arching, mid-green leaves that radiate from a central clump. It typically grows to...

From$12.95
Ophiopogon planiscapus nigrescens (Black Mondo) plants with lush, black foliage.
Ophiopogon japonicus nigrescens

Ophiopogon japonicus nigrescens, commonly known as Black Mondo Grass, is a clump-forming plant with fine, near black foliage. The foliage is...

From$9.95
Ophiopogon japonicus nana (dwarf Mondo grass) growing between paving stones.
Ophiopogon japonicus Nana

Ophiopogon japonicus 'Nana' is a dwarf or mini Mondo Grass grown for its delicate, dark green foliage. Flower spikes are borne in summer and bear...

From$9.95
Carex solandri grass in a NZ native planting.
Carex solandri

Carex solandri is a NZ native, ornamental grass that features attractive, dark green foliage. The foliage emerges upright and develops a gentle and...

From$11.50
acer-tamukeyama-1
Acer palmatum dissectum 'Tamukeyama'

Acer palmatum dissectum 'Tamukeyama' is one of the most admired Japanese Maples, prized for its finely dissected deep red foliage and graceful...

From$299.95
Carex buchananii with lush brown foliage growing as a specimen plant in a rock garden.
Carex buchananii (Buchanans Sedge)

Carex buchananii, commonly known as Leatherleaf Sedge, is a striking New Zealand native grass-like plant with delicate, upright, copper-bronze...

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Austroderia fulvida (Toetoe) plants in a garden with cascading green foliage and white flower plumes.
Austroderia fulvida (Toetoe)

Austroderia fulvida, commonly known as Toetoe or Toi Toi, is a large and vigorous NZ native grass. It bears long, narrow, mid-green leaves that are...

From$13.73
ligustrum-rotundifolium-4
Ligustrum 'Rotundifolium'

Ligustrum 'Rotundifolium' (Japanese Privet) is a hardy evergreen shrub admired for its rounded glossy green leaves and dense compact growth habit...

From$24.77
Acer palmatum 'Crimson Queen' specimen tree with purple-red cascading foliage.
Acer palmatum 'Crimson Queen'

Acer palmatum 'Crimson Queen' is a highly admired weeping Japanese maple known for its finely dissected burgundy foliage that retains rich colour...

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Chrysopogon zizanioides

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You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acorus, Carex, and Chrysopogon, or related Categories - Grasses.

Search japanese forest grass nz

Why Choose Japanese Forest Grass for NZ Gardens?

Japanese forest grass is prized for its low maintenance needs and versatile growth habit. New Zealand gardeners enjoy how well this shade-loving grass adapts to partial sun, maintaining lushness even in cooler southern climates. Its foliage starts off fresh and green in spring, often develops golden or striped tones mid-year, then finishes with burnt orange hues in autumn. Hakonechloa is non-invasive and grows in tidy mounds from 30 to 60cm high, making it perfect for mass planting, groundcover, or as a feature in containers.

Explore the classic Hakonechloa macra (Japanese Forest Grass), which offers soft green leaves and classic arching form, or try one of its stunning cultivars for extra drama.

Popular Varieties Available in NZ

Alongside the classic green form, several show-stopping cultivars perform exceptionally well in NZ conditions:

All varieties offer soft texture and subtle colour shifts, making Japanese forest grass nz an ideal underplanting for trees or larger perennials.

How to Plant and Care for Japanese Forest Grass in NZ

For the best results, select a spot with dappled shade or morning sun and well-drained, organic-rich soil. Water regularly during dry spells, especially in the first season, and mulch well to retain moisture. Japanese forest grass rarely suffers from pests or diseases in NZ conditions, and it needs little pruning—just tidy up old foliage in early spring as new shoots emerge.

Companion Planting and Design Tips

Japanese forest grass pairs beautifully with hostas, ferns, hellebores, and Japanese maples. It also contrasts nicely with taller ornamental grasses like Miscanthus sinensis, or can be planted in bold swathes for a naturalistic, low-maintenance groundcover. Use it to edge woodland pathways or soften modern hard landscaping with waves of flowing foliage.

Explore our range and add Japanese forest grass nz to your garden for year-round beauty, serene texture, and easy care—no matter where you live in New Zealand.


Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

While Chamaemelum nobile (Chamomile) and Dianella 'Little Jess' often steal the spotlight, charming plants like Alnus jorullensis, Weigela 'Wine And Roses', and Thuja orientalis 'Blue Cone' quietly shine in any garden.
–The Plant Company

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