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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.

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
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$8.97
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 '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$19.25
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
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$8.97
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
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$19.25
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
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$20.63
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$23.39
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$15.11
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$8.21
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$22.01
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$26.91
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
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$23.39
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$14.49
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$16.22
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$13.73
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$13.73
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$16.49
iris-rose-queen-
Iris Rose Queen (Japanese Water Iris)

“Rose Queen” is a variety of Japanese Water Iris that produces spectacular flowers. The showy, two-tone pink blooms are borne atop sturdy stems in...

From$27.53
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$344.95
fatsia-japonica-
Fatsia japonica

Fatsia japonica (Japanese Aralia) is a bold evergreen shrub known for its large, glossy leaves that bring a tropical feel to New Zealand gardens. It...

From$35.81
acer-skeeters-broom-5
Acer Skeeters Broom (Skeeters Broom Acer)

Acer palmatum Skeeters Broom is an impressive, small, Japanese Maple featuring a rich display of colourful foliage. New leaves emerge bright red in...

From$489.79
A large Ilex crenata 'Convexa' shrub with dense, green foliage.
Ilex crenata Convexa (Japanese Holly)

Ilex crenata 'Convexa' is a compact evergreen shrub admired for its small glossy dark green leaves and naturally dense growth habit. Often used as an...

From$27.53
cryptomeria-egmont-1
Cryptomeria japonica Egmont

Cryptomeria japonica Egmont, commonly known as Japanese Cedar, is an evergreen tree that makes an exceptional and hardy shelterbelt. It features...

From$383.29
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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$440.80
Imperata Red Baron

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You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acer, Acorus, Calamagrostis, Carex, Cryptomeria, Cymbopogon, Dactylis, Fatsia, Ilex, Imperata, Iris, Isolepis, Libertia, Ligustrum, Lomandra, Miscanthus, Ophiopogon, Pachysandra, Poa Sisyrinchium and Stipa, or related Categories - Conifer Trees, Grasses, Mondo Grass, Groundcover Plants, Perennials, Iris Plants Evergreen Shrubs and Maple Tree.

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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