Grass
Japanese forest grass
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flowers | Flowers in August | Flowers in September | ||||||||||
| Plant | Plant in March | Plant in April | Plant in May | Plant in September | ||||||||
| Prune | Prune in February | Prune in March | ||||||||||
| Looks good | Looks good in May | Looks good in June | Looks good in July | Looks good in August | Looks good in September | Looks good in October | Looks good in November |
Overview
Unlike most grasses, this one is happy in shade. Slender arching leaves all lean the same way, so a clump looks like flowing water. The plain green species is the toughest and quickest to bulk up, while 'Aureola' has bright gold leaves with thin green stripes and is the form most people grow. 'All Gold' is pure yellow. In autumn the foliage takes on coppery, orange and pink tints, and faint flower sprays appear in late summer. Several clumps planted in a row along a shady path give a soft, unified edge that looks good from spring until the first hard frosts.
Where to grow japanese forest grass
Light or dappled shade gives the best colour on gold forms, which scorch in hot midday sun. In cooler northern gardens it takes more sun. It shines along a path edge, spilling over a low wall, or in a glazed pot on a shaded patio.
Planting
Plant in spring, 40 cm apart, into fertile soil enriched with leaf mould or compost. In containers, use a loam-based compost and keep it evenly moist.
Care through the year
Spring
Mulch with compost as new shoots appear in April.
Summer
Water regularly in dry weather, especially in pots.
Autumn
Enjoy the colour; leave the dried leaves on over winter.
Winter
Straw-coloured foliage persists and protects the crown.
Pruning
Cut the old leaves down to a few centimetres above ground in late winter, before new growth starts. Avoid cutting fresh shoots.
Propagation
Divide in spring as growth begins, keeping good-sized pieces; small divisions are slow to establish. It does not come true from seed.
Common problems
Generally trouble-free. Brown, crisp tips mean too much sun or dry soil. Slugs occasionally nibble emerging shoots. Slow establishment is normal for the first two years.
Something else wrong? Diagnose it by symptom.
Month-by-month reminders
Jobs for this plant come round in February, March, April, May and September. Each month page lists everything else worth doing in the garden at the same time.
Related plants
Sources
Botanical names follow Kew's Plants of the World Online; growing attributes were checked against the references below. Text is our own. See our editorial policy.