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japanese garden grass

Japanese garden grass offers an elegant, serene touch to any landscape, making it a favourite choice among New Zealand gardeners seeking to add a sense of calm and flow to their outdoor spaces. Renowned for its graceful, cascading blades and lush texture, Japanese garden grass fits beautifully into a range of garden styles—from traditional Japanese courtyard settings to modern, naturalistic designs. Whether you're looking to soften the edges of a path, add gentle movement under trees, or create low-maintenance groundcover, Japanese garden grass is an excellent option to consider.

Hakonechloa albostriata plant with variegated foliage.

Hakonechloa macra 'Albostriata'

Hakonechloa macra 'Albostriata', commonly known as Japanese Forest Grass, is a stunning ornamental grass. It features variegated green foliage with cream stripes near the leaf margins. It grows as a large, soft-looking mound to about 1 m tall and the same wide. This Japanese Frost Grass is commonly used to line pathways or waterways, planted under large trees and shrubs, or grown in a large container. The beauty of Hakonechloa macra 'Albostriata' affords year-round interest.

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
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. This Japanese Forest Grass is commonly used to line pathways or waterways, added to a mixed or border planting, planted around outdoor living areas, grown around the base of large trees, mass planted either as a groundcover or on a bank, or grown in a large container.

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$21.53
Lomandra Shara displaying fabulous blue-green foliage and growing beside a gravel path.

Lomandra Shara

Lomandra Shara is an ornamental grass renowned for its delicate, dark green foliage and graceful arching form. Reaching approximately 60 cm in height...

From$20.18
Ophiopogon japonicus (Green Mondo Grass) growing as a groundcover in a woodland garden.

Ophiopogon japonicus

Ophiopogon japonicus, commonly known as green Mondo Grass, is a striking ornamental grass. It grows as a clump and produces a dense tuft of...

From$9.38
Lomandra 'Echidna' grass growing as a mass planting beside a path.

Lomandra Echidna

The Lomandra Echidna grass is a tough and reliable plant with outstanding aesthetics. It features lush, mid-green foliage held upright with a gentle...

From$16.13
Lomandra 'Arctic Frost' plant in a pot with variegated foliage.

Lomandra Arctic Frost

Lomandra Arctic Frost is a hardy ornamental grass featuring variegated blue and cream foliage held upright with a gentle arch. Growing to...

From$17.48
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$21.53
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$6.08
Acorus albo variegata foliage variegated green and yellow.

Acorus Albo Variegata (Variegated Sweet Flag)

Acorus Albo Variegata is grown for its attractive, variegated foliage. It features narrow and slender leaves that are cream with a dark green edge...

From$16.13
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...

From$17.48
Lomandra 'Misty Green' plants with cascading green foliage growing a bank.

Lomandra Misty Green

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...

From$20.93
cymbopogon-citratus-4

Cymbopogon citratus (Lemongrass)

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

From$20.18
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$9.38
A large Calamagrostis 'Overdam' grass with elegant, variegated foliage.

Calamagrostis 'Overdam'

Calamagrostis ‘Overdam’ is a striking variegated ornamental grass that delivers elegant upright form and delicate texture to garden borders and...

From$22.88
A large planting of Stipa gigantea (Golden Oat Grass) as a feature garden.

Stipa gigantea

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...

From$14.78
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$8.78
Miscanthus Morning Light growing as a clump with variegated leaves.

Miscanthus 'Morning Light'

Miscanthus 'Morning Light' (Maiden Grass) is a refined ornamental grass valued for its fine narrow foliage edged with silvery white. This elegant...

From$18.83
Chrysopogon zizanioides grass plants growing alongside a stream.

Chrysopogon zizanioides (Vetiver)

Chrysopogon zizanioides, commonly known as Vetiver Grass or Khus Grass, grows as a clump with lush, dark green foliage and can reach 1.5 m tall and 1...

From$20.18
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...

From$21.53
helicotrichon-sempervirens-3

Helictotrichon sempervirens (Blue Oatgrass)

Helictotrichon sempervirens, commonly known as Blue Oatgrass, is a lovely and popular ornamental grass featuring distinct, blue foliage. It grows as...

From$16.88
isolepsis-cernua-1

Isolepis cernua (Fiber-Optic Grass)

Isolepsis cernua (aka Scirpus cernua), commonly known as Fiber Optic Grass, grows as a tidy clump to about 25 cm tall and the same wide with green...

From$16.13
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...

From$26.33
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...

From$20.18
fatsia-japonica-

Fatsia japonica (Japanese Aralia)

Fatsia japonica is an evergreen shrub with leaves that are large, bright green, and provide a sense of freshness to the garden. Small, white flowers...

From$24.23
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$14.51
Libertia paniculata plant with white flowers.

Libertia paniculata (Grass Flag)

Libertia paniculata is an elegant evergreen perennial admired for its fine, upright foliage and delicate white flowers that appear in airy clusters...

From$15.86
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$15.53
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$20.18
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$14.18
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...

From$13.43
Acorus gramineus Ogon growing in water beside a rock.

Acorus gramineus 'Ogon'

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

From$16.13
Hakonechloa macra 'Albostriata'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acorus, Calamagrostis, Carex, Chrysopogon, Cymbopogon, Dactylis, Fatsia, Festuca, Hakonechloa, Helictotrichon, Isolepis, Libertia, Lomandra, Miscanthus, Ophiopogon, Poa Sisyrinchium and Stipa, or related Categories - Grasses, Mondo Grass Perennials and Evergreen Shrubs.

Search japanese garden grass

What Is Japanese Garden Grass?

Japanese garden grass commonly refers to Hakonechloa macra and its cultivars, which are celebrated for their arching foliage and vibrant colours. This ornamental grass is prized not only for its beauty but also for its shade tolerance and adaptability. Classic green varieties, like Hakonechloa macra (Japanese Forest Grass), are especially popular for their understated elegance. For a dazzling golden accent, Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola' (Japanese Golden Grass) offers striking chartreuse and gold striped leaves, ideal for brightening up shaded woodland borders.

Top Varieties for Japanese-Inspired Gardens

Choosing the right variety of Japanese garden grass enhances the tranquil atmosphere of your garden. If you prefer subtle elegance, consider Hakonechloa macra 'Albostriata', which features delicate cream stripes for gentle contrast. Another beautiful selection is Hakonechloa 'Albovariegata', which showcases fine, white-edged leaves and creates a soft waterfall effect. For larger, sun-kissed gardens, Miscanthus sinensis offers a taller and more upright form, perfect for adding structure and shimmering plumes to the backdrop of your Japanese garden.

How to Use Japanese Garden Grass in Your Landscape

Japanese garden grass is highly versatile and can be used in a variety of garden settings. Plant it en masse beneath deciduous trees to mimic the rolling hills of Japan, or use it as an edge along paths and ponds to soften hard lines and encourage natural movement. The lush, arching forms blend seamlessly with maples, camellias, azaleas, and mossy stones—integral elements of Japanese-style gardens. The low growing habit of Hakonechloa macra (Japanese Forest Grass) makes it perfect for groundcover, while the golden and variegated varieties add subtle highlights and visual interest throughout the seasons.

Growing and Caring for Japanese Garden Grass in New Zealand

Japanese garden grass thrives in cool, moist, well-drained soils and prefers partial shade, making it suitable for many New Zealand gardens. It appreciates regular watering, especially during dry spells, but is generally low-maintenance once established. Simply trim back old foliage in late winter to early spring to make way for fresh new growth. All of the Hakonechloa varieties—such as Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola' (Japanese Golden Grass), Hakonechloa macra 'Albostriata', and Hakonechloa 'Albovariegata'—are easy to grow and adapt well to New Zealand conditions.

Embrace the calming beauty of Japanese garden grass to create your own peaceful retreat, blending colour, texture, and movement in every season. Explore our range of Japanese grasses to find the perfect fit for your garden.


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–The Plant Company

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