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japanese golden grass

Japanese golden grass is a beloved choice among New Zealand gardeners for its shimmering foliage and graceful form. Known for its cascading golden tufts, this ornamental grass adds elegance and colour to shaded gardens, modern landscapes, and tranquil outdoor retreats. Whether you are designing a peaceful Zen garden or looking to brighten up a tricky, low-light corner, Japanese golden grass offers year-round interest and texture. Read on to discover planting tips, design ideas, and why Hakonechloa species are cherished for their versatility and beauty.

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 masses of small, yellow flowers which are complemented with dark green, grass-like foliage. It grows as a clump to about 10 cm tall and 20 cm wide.

From $17.25

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Grasses
Height: 25 cm
Spread: 23 cm
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
Lomandra 'Echidna' grass growing as a mass planting beside a path.

Lomandra 'Echidna'

5 from 2 customers

Lomandra 'Echidna' is a hardy evergreen ornamental grass with a dense compact habit and fine textured foliage. It is an excellent choice for NZ gardens where a tough, low maintenance plant is needed for borders, mass planting, path edges, containers, and exposed sites.

From $14.95

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Grasses
Height: 55 cm
Spread: 55 cm
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Pool areas
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern
Podocarpus totara 'Aurea' tree with yellow foliage.
Podocarpus totara 'Aurea' (Golden Tōtara)

Podocarpus totara 'Aurea', commonly known as Golden Totara, features golden foliage composed of short, needle-like leaves held densely. It typically...

From$30.29
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 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$16.95
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
Chlorophytum 'Golden Glow' plant.
Chlorophytum 'Golden Glow'

Chlorophytum 'Golden Glow' is an attractive evergreen perennial valued for its bright foliage and easy care nature. The narrow, arching leaves form a...

From$24.95
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$6.95
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
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
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$19.95
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
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
Leucadendron 'Golden Tulip' stunning yellow flowers.
Leucadendron 'Golden Tulip'

Leucadendron 'Golden Tulip' is a stunning evergreen shrub admired for its vibrant golden bracts that resemble tulip shaped blooms. This eye catching...

From$34.43
Acer 'Shidava Gold' small tree with lush, green and yellow foliage.
Acer 'Shidava Gold'

Acer 'Shidava Gold' is a bright and elegant Japanese maple valued for its golden yellow foliage that brings light and contrast to garden spaces. This...

From$349.95
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
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$6.95
Hedera 'Golden Ingot' plant with green and yellow foliage.
Hedera helix 'Golden Ingot'

Hedera helix 'Golden Ingot' is a striking evergreen ivy admired for its bright golden-yellow foliage edged with soft green tones. This compact and...

From$17.95
Gardenia 'Golden Magic' plant featuring beautiful yellow flowers with dark green foliage.
Gardenia 'Golden Magic'

Gardenia 'Golden Magic' is a unique evergreen shrub that produces highly fragrant white flowers which gradually turn golden yellow as they age...

From$18.95
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...

From$22.95
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
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
epipremnum-golden-queen-
Epipremnum 'Golden Queen'

Epipremnum 'Golden Queen' adds distinctive interest to NZ planting. This variety stands out for its vibrant colouring and adaptability to a wide...

From$33.05
acer-ukon-
Acer palmatum 'Ukon'

Acer palmatum 'Ukon' is a distinctive Japanese Maple admired for its unusual lime green foliage that brings fresh colour to the garden. New leaves...

From$349.95
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
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-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
A cluster of Betula platyphylla 'Japonica' trees showing their brilliant white trunks.
Betula platyphylla 'Japonica'

Betula platyphylla 'Japonica' (also known as Japanese White Birch) is a graceful deciduous tree admired for its striking white bark, upright form...

From$383.29
Ligustrum 'Rotundifolium' plants for sale at The Plant Company nursery.
Ligustrum 'Rotundifolium'

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

From$21.95
bambusa-golden-goddess-bamboo-
Bambusa 'Golden Goddess'

Bambusa 'Golden Goddess' is a beautiful clumping bamboo prized for its lush golden green foliage, upright growth, and non invasive habit. It brings a...

From$49.95
acer-emerald-lace-
Acer 'Emerald Lace'

Acer 'Emerald Lace' is a graceful laceleaf Japanese Maple admired for its finely divided soft green foliage and elegant cascading form. The delicate...

From$349.95
Sisyrinchium californicum

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Calamagrostis, Chlorophytum, and Chrysopogon, or related Categories - Grasses, Indoor Plants, and Evergreen Trees.

Search japanese golden grass

What is Japanese Golden Grass?

Japanese golden grass commonly refers to Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola', a striking perennial grass from the woodlands of Japan. It is admired for its arching foliage striped with gold and lime green, creating a soft, flowing effect perfect for shady spots. If you’re seeking a spectacular feature, Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola' (Japanese Golden Grass) remains a top pick for both cottage gardens and contemporary plantings.

How to Grow Japanese Golden Grass in New Zealand

This grass thrives in moist, humus-rich soils and prefers partial to full shade, making it ideal under trees or along south-facing borders. In New Zealand’s temperate climate, it shows excellent resilience and can tolerate occasional dry spells once established. Space your Japanese golden grass about 40cm apart for a lush, natural look. For best results, mulch annually and feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser to keep your foliage vibrant.

Japanese Golden Grass in Garden Design

Garden designers often use Japanese golden grass to create movement, soften hard edges, or spotlight garden paths. Its mounding habit pairs beautifully with shade-loving perennials and other ornamental grasses. Consider planting with contrasting foliage such as Hakonechloa 'Albovariegata' for a subtle play of textures, or brighten a streamside planting with Sisyrinchium californicum, which boasts cheery yellow blooms.

Companion Plants and Alternatives

If you want to extend the golden theme in your garden, Podocarpus totara Aurea (Golden Tōtara) offers bold evergreen structure, while ornamental grasses like Stipa gigantea bring height and a different textural element to your planting scheme. Japanese golden grass also looks exceptional when used en masse beneath deciduous trees, where the gentle foliage catches the light and enhances the seasonal show.

Shop for Japanese Golden Grass

Our nursery specialises in quality-grown ornamental grasses, including Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola' (Japanese Golden Grass). Browse our collection of shade-tolerant varieties and discover how Japanese golden grass can transform your Aotearoa garden into a golden sanctuary. With the right care and creative planting, this stunning grass will reward you with brilliance in even the shadiest corners all year round.

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.
Our garden favourites Ficus benjamina 'Variegata' and Azara microphylla get lots of love, but don’t miss out on a few lesser-known delights: Viburnum 'Eve Price', Helipterum 'Paper Cascade', and Abelia grandiflora.
–The Plant Company

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