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Description
Hakonechloa Macra, commonly known as Hakone grass, is a perennial ornamental grass that belongs to the Poaceae family. It is native to the mountainous regions of Japan and has become a popular choice for landscaping due to its attractive foliage and ease of maintenance. The plant has a clumping habit and grows up to 18 inches in height and 24 inches in width. Its leaves are bright green in color and have a narrow, linear shape, which gives it an elegant appearance.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Poales |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Genus | Hakonechloa |
Appearance
The leaves of Hakonechloa Macra are the main attraction of this plant. They are bright green in color and have a narrow, linear shape that gives it a graceful appearance. The leaves grow up to 12 inches in length and 1/2 inch in width. The plant has a clumping habit and grows up to 18 inches in height and 24 inches in width. In autumn, the leaves turn a beautiful shade of red or orange, adding to its ornamental value. The plant also produces small, inconspicuous flowers in late summer, which later develop into seed heads.
Care Guide
Hakonechloa Macra is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips for taking care of this plant:
- Water: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Watering once a week is usually sufficient.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a year in spring with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-drained, fertile soil. Adding compost to the soil can help improve its fertility.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers partial shade to full shade. It can tolerate some morning sun but should be protected from hot afternoon sun.
- Hardiness Zones: Hakonechloa Macra is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Hakonechloa Macra is generally not affected by pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to some common grass diseases like rust and leaf spot. These can be treated with fungicides if necessary. The plant can also attract slugs and snails, which can be controlled with slug bait or by handpicking.
Habitat
Hakonechloa Macra is native to the mountainous regions of Japan, where it grows in shaded areas along stream banks and in moist forests. It prefers cool and moist environments and can tolerate temperatures down to -20 degrees Fahrenheit.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Hakonechloa Macra a good plant for beginners?
A: Yes, Hakonechloa Macra is an easy plant to care for and is a good choice for beginners.
Q: Does Hakonechloa Macra require a lot of sunlight?
A: No, Hakonechloa Macra prefers partial shade to full shade and can tolerate some morning sun.
Q: Can Hakonechloa Macra tolerate drought?
A: No, Hakonechloa Macra prefers moist soil and is not drought-tolerant.
Q: How often should I fertilize Hakonechloa Macra?
A: Fertilize the plant once a year in spring with a balanced fertilizer.
Related Plants
- Hakonechloa Aureola
- Hakonechloa macra ‘Albo-striata’
- Hakonechloa macra ‘All Gold’
- Hakonechloa macra ‘Nicholas’
References
- “Hakonechloa macra.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 22 March 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287733&isprofile=0&basic=hakonechloa%20macra
- “Hakonechloa macra.” The Spruce. Accessed 22 March 2021. https://www.thespruce.com/hakone-grass-growing-profile-3269670
- “Hakonechloa macra.” Plant Finder. Accessed 22 March 2021. https://www.plantdelights.com/products/hakonechloa-macra
