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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.

Imperata 'Red Baron' with colourful, red foliage

Imperata Red Baron

5 from 3 customers

Imperata 'Red Baron', commonly known as Japanese Blood Grass, features leaves that are green at the base and become red further up the blade. Through summer and autumn, the red colouring intensifies such that the foliage appears to be glowing. It grows as a clump to about 45 cm tall and the same wide. Japanese Blood Grass is commonly used in borders or mixed plantings, included in rock gardens, maintained in a container, or mass planted for an impressive display. This plant is popular with landscape designers and experienced gardeners due to its sheer beauty.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Grasses
Height: 45 cm
Spread: 45 cm
Tolerances: Coastal
Garden uses: Banks, Borders, Containers, Living areas, Parks, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas, Specimen
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Cottage, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
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 the foliage, hence the common name, Japanese Silver Grass. Tall spikes of plum-like flowers are borne in summer, which are cream with a pink tone as they grow to 1.5 m tall and 1 m wide. Miscanthus sinensis is commonly included in mixed plantings, planted around a water feature, used as a backdrop for other plants, or included in borders.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Grasses
Height: 1.00 m
Spread: 1.00 m
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Borders, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Ponds, Pool areas
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Riparian
Sisyrinchium californicum plants with yellow flowers and fine, green foliage.
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Lomandra 'Echidna' grass growing as a mass planting beside a path.
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The Lomandra Echidna grass is a tough and reliable plant with outstanding aesthetics. It features lush, mid-green foliage held upright with a gentle...

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Orange foliage on Carex testacea.
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Zebra grass (Miscanthus 'Zebrinus') leaves with cream and green stripes.
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A large Calamagrostis 'Overdam' grass with elegant, variegated foliage.
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Lomandra Misty Green is an ornamental grass with delicate, dark green foliage and a tidy, rounded form. Growing to about 40 cm in height and width...

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Poa cita

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Acorus gramineus Ogon growing in water beside a rock.
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Acorus gramineus 'Ogon' also called Japanese Sweet Flag is a graceful evergreen with striking gold and green blades that brighten damp and shaded...

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Carex flagellifera Green plant with lush and colourful foliage.
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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...

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

Lomandra Green Allure is widely used in landscaping projects across NZ. It is commonly mass planted as a ground cover or on a bank, included in...

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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...

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Libertia paniculata plant with white flowers.
Libertia paniculata (Grass Flag)

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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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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...

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A large planting of Stipa gigantea (Golden Oat Grass) as a feature garden.
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Stipa gigantea, commonly known as the Golden Oat Grass, is a large, ornamental grass. It grows as a clump and produces narrow, dark green leaves. The...

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Pachysandra terminalis

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

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Lomandra Lime Tuff in a garden showing elegant foliage.
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Ophiopogon japonicus Silver Mist grass in a garden.
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Carex dissita (Purei) plant growing in a native garden.
Carex dissita (Purei)

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Carex 'Everlime' plants for sale at The Plant Company nursery.
Carex 'Everlime' (Lime Grass Plant)

Carex ‘Everlime’ (Japanese Sedge) is a popular evergreen sedge valued for its graceful arching green foliage edged with bright lime cream margins...

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Cymbopogon citratus (Lemongrass)

Cymbopogon citratus (aka Andropogon citratus), commonly known as Lemongrass Grass or Citronella Grass, grows as a clump and produces flavoursome and...

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Carex flagellifera Red plants.
Carex flagellifera Red

Carex flagellifera Red is a NZ native, ornamental grass grown for its colourful and attractive foliage. It produces slender and lush, copper-red...

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Cercis Forest Pansy growing in a courtyard garden with purple leaves.
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Cryptomeria japonica

Cryptomeria japonica (Japanese Cedar) is a majestic evergreen conifer valued for its tall upright form and soft rich green foliage. It brings...

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Rosemary 'Lockwood de Forest' is a creeping or prostrate variety of Rosemary that features petite, blue flowers through winter and spring. These are...

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Imperata Red Baron

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You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Calamagrostis, Carex, and Imperata, 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.


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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.

–The Plant Company

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