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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.

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 foliage is adorned through summer and autumn with tall, golden-bronze stems that bear oat-like seed heads. It typically grows to 2 m tall and the same wide. Stipa gigantea is commonly mass planted on a bank, included in mixed plantings, included in woodland plantings, or mass planted for a dramatic show.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Grasses
Height: 2.00 m
Spread: 2.00 m
Flowering time: Summer, Autumn
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern
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. Sisyrinchium californicum is commonly included in cottage gardens, added to a border planting, maintained in a container, planted around outdoor living areas such as pools and the like, or used anywhere the beauty of this plant can be enjoyed.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Grasses
Height: 10 cm
Spread: 20 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
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
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...

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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 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...

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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...

From$19.95
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Epipremnum Golden Queen

Epipremnum ‘Golden Queen’ is an eye-catching indoor plant with bold golden-yellow variegation on lush green leaves. Its fast-growing, trailing habit...

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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...

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Cotinus 'Golden Spirit' specimen tree with bright yellow foliage.
Cotinus 'Golden Spirit'

Cotinus 'Golden Spirit' is a yellow Smoke Tree grown for its foliage and interesting flowers. The foliage is golden yellow and is held off multiple...

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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...

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Imperata 'Red Baron' with colourful, red foliage
Imperata Red Baron

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...

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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
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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...

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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...

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Rhododendron Vireya 'Golden Charm'

Rhododendron Vireya 'Golden Charm' is a stunning tropical style shrub known for its bright golden yellow flowers that bring vibrant colour to NZ...

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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$11.50
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...

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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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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
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
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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...

From$20.63
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$19.95
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Acer palmatum Fjellheim (Fjellheim Japanese Maple)

Acer palmatum Fjellheim is an impressive Japanese Maple featuring a rich display of delicate foliage held on colourful stems. Leaves on this small...

From$399.95
Gardenia 'Golden Magic' beautiful yellow flowers with 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
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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
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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
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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...

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Lomandra longifolia plant beside a path with lush, green foliage.
Lomandra longifolia (Basket Grass)

Lomandra longifolia (Basket Grass) is a resilient, evergreen ornamental grass native to Australia. Growing to approximately 60 cm in height and 65 cm...

From$17.87
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
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...

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Stipa gigantea

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acorus, Calamagrostis, and Cotinus, or related Categories - Grasses, Indoor Plants, and Perennials.

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.

Our garden favourites Lomandra 'Tanika' and Lomandra Frosty Tops get lots of love, but don’t miss out on a few lesser-known delights: Dianella 'Margaret Pringle', Feijoa 'Pounamu', and Magnolia Charles Raffill (Magnolia campbellii Charles Raffill).
–The Plant Company

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