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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.

Lomandra Nyalla grass with blue-green foliage in a border planting.

Lomandra Nyalla

5 from 2 customers

Lomandra Nyalla is a hardy ornamental grass featuring delicate, lush green foliage and a graceful, arching form. Reaching approximately 80 cm in height and width, it thrives in full sun to partial shade and is highly tolerant of drought, frost, wind, and coastal conditions.

From $19.25

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Grasses
Height: 80 cm
Spread: 80 cm
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Banks, Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Ponds, Pool areas
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
Lomandra 'Katrinus Deluxe' plant with lush, dark green foliage.

Lomandra Katrinus Deluxe

5 from 2 customers

Lomandra Katrinus Deluxe is an evergreen, ornamental grass known for its mid-green, arching foliage and tidy clumping habit. Growing to approximately 70 cm in height and width, it thrives in full sun to partial shade and is highly tolerant of drought, frost, wind, and coastal conditions.

From $17.87

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Grasses
Height: 70 cm
Spread: 70 cm
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Banks, Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Pool areas
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern
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...

From$20.63
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$17.87
Lomandra Little Pal plants with lush green foliage.
Lomandra Little Pal

Lomandra Little Pal is a compact ornamental grass grown for its fine, green-yellow foliage and tidy, rounded form. Growing to approximately 60 cm in...

From$19.25
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
Lomandra Frosty Tops with lush blue foliage in a garden.
Lomandra Frosty Tops

Lomandra Frosty Tops is a hardy, evergreen grass featuring elegant, blue-grey foliage and a soft, weeping form. Growing to around 50 cm tall and...

From$18.63
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
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$17.25
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
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
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
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
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
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$19.25
Ophiopogon planiscapus (Mondo Grass) with lush green foliage growing as a ground cover.
Ophiopogon planiscapus

Ophiopogon planiscapus, commonly known as Dwarf Lilyturf, is a Mondo grass grown for its fine, dark green foliage and short stature. The foliage is...

From$6.95
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 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...

From$11.50
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
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
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$11.50
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
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
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...

From$299.95
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-viridis--4
Acer palmatum dissectum 'Viridis'

Acer palmatum dissectum 'Viridis' is a graceful Japanese Maple prized for its finely dissected bright green foliage and elegant cascading form. The...

From$249.95
acer-seiryu-
Acer palmatum 'Seiryu'

Acer palmatum 'Seiryu' is a unique Japanese Maple admired for its finely dissected foliage and upright growth habit. Unlike many laceleaf maples...

From$299.95
Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood' specimen tree with colourful dark red foliage.
Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood'

Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood' (Bloodgood Japanese Maple) is one of the most reliable and popular Japanese maples, valued for its deep red foliage and...

From$299.95
acer-senkaki-
Acer palmatum 'Senkaki'

Acer palmatum 'Senkaki', commonly known as the Coral Bark Japanese Maple, is a beautiful deciduous tree prized for its brilliant coral red branches...

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...

From$11.50
Acer palmatum dissectum 'Stella Rossa' tree with fine, dark purple foliage.
Acer 'Stella Rossa'

Acer 'Stella Rossa' is a striking Japanese Maple valued for its finely dissected deep red foliage and elegant cascading growth habit. The rich...

From$399.95
A stunning, pink Azalea 'Garden Party' flower.
Azalea 'Garden Party'

Azalea 'Garden Party' is a charming evergreen azalea that produces masses of soft pink flowers during spring. The delicate blooms sit above glossy...

From$18.85
Lomandra Nyalla

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Chrysopogon, Dactylis, and Isolepis, or related Categories - Grasses, and Mondo Grass.

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.

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.

Illustration of plant leaves.
Sure, Lomandra Frosty Tops and Coprosma 'Hawera' (Sand Coprosma) are crowd-pleasers, but Bougainvillea 'Hawaiian Gold', Salvia 'Aztec Blue', and Camellia 'Donation' are quietly making a name for themselves.
–The Plant Company

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