How to Grow and Care for Hakone Grass

Plant Care

Hakone grass prefers moist, well-draining soil and partial shade and is easy to grow. This slow-growing ornamental grass takes little care but offers dense, billowy foliage in return.

Light

Hakone Grass — a gorgeous shade-loving grass, prefers partial to full shade, making it a great option for shady gardens that traditional grasses will not thrive in. It does well in some morning sun, however, strong afternoon sun can burn the delicate leaves. In cooler climates, it may adapt to more sun exposure as long as the soil remains consistently moist.

Soil

In terms of soil, Hakone Grass thrives in rich, moisture-retentive soil with good drainage. Rich loamy or humus soil adds to its rich color and vigorous growth. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0-7.0), but can handle many conditions as long as it’s not in compacted, dry soil.

Watering

Unlike many drought-tolerant grasses, Hakone Grass likes moisture to stay consistent. It needs constant watering to keep its soft, flowing shape. It will also need extra watering during dry spells to stop leaf tips from drying out. But soggy soil should be avoided, since too much moisture can cause root rot.

Pruning

It only requires minimal pruning to keep looking its best. In late winter or early spring, cut away dead foliage down to the ground before new growth sprouts. This helps maintain a fresh, healthy appearance for the coming season.

Throughout the growing season, darker or damaged leaves can be cropped to tidy and streamline the plant’s flowing figure. Unlike other ornamental grasses, Hakone Grass is non-invasive and slow-growing, meaning it won’t require frequent division or aggressive trimming.

Propagating

The easiest method of propagating Hakone Grass is by division, which can rejuvenate older clumps and provide you with new plants for other areas of your garden.

• In spring or fall, dig up the whole plant, extracting the whole root system.
• Using a sharp spade or knife, gently split the clump apart into smaller sections.
• Re-plant each division in moist, rich soil and water well.

Although Hakone Grass is slow to grow, you’ll be rewarded with lush, cascading foliage that softens any landscape.

Growing in Pots

As a container plant, this ornamental grass is a perfect choice for patios, balconies and shaded entryways, generating a softer, flowing texture.

• Use a wide, shallow container that has drainage holes.
• Grow in rich, moisture-retentive soil for steady growth.
• Keep well-watered, since container plants dry out more quickly than in-ground varieties.

Container-grown Hakone Grass should be divided every few years to prevent overcrowding and maintain its elegant, cascading form.

Overwintering

Hakone Grass is cold-hardy in USDA zones 5–9 and typically needs little winter care. In colder regions, though, some care will help ensure that they grow back healthy in the spring.

For in-ground plants, the foliage should be left in place over winter, providing natural insulation. In early spring, cut the dead leaves down, making way for new green shoots. If you plan to grow them in containers, relocating pots to a sheltered spot can ward off root damage from freezing temperatures. Plus, a layer of mulch at the base can also add layer of protection during harsh winters.

Blooming

Hakone Grass is primarily grown for its beautiful foliage, but in late summer it produces airy, wispy flowers that echo its leaves. These flowers are not flashy; they add another soft, feathery texture to the plant’s already elegant profile.

And if you prefer the plant’s foliage to its flowers, the bloom stalks can be removed to keep a neater, more even shape.

Common Issues

Hakone Grass is quite low-maintenance, but there are a few issues that can occur if growing conditions aren’t right.

In hot, dry climates, for example, drought stress can cause browning or crisping of leaves. To stop this, make sure to keep the soil evenly moist. While this species does experience slow growth, faulty soil quality or dry conditions can impact its maturation even further.

Fungal diseases, such as root rot or leaf spot, can develop in overly wet or compacted soil. Proper drainage and air flow will help avoid these problems. Hakone Grass is also pest resistant, including deer and rabbits, so it is a no worries addition to the garden.

Summary

Hakone Grass is a true gem for shaded gardens, providing soft, flowing texture, stately color changes and little maintenance. Whether serving as a ground cover, border plant or feature in a container, its gentle, cascading swaying imparts a sense of peace and refinement to any landscape. If you need a low-maintenance and non-invasive ornamental grass that grows in shade, the Hakone Grass is a great option.