Golden Japanese Forest Grass

About this plant

Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola', commonly known as Golden Japanese Forest Grass, is a truly exquisite ornamental grass renowned for its cascading habit and brilliant golden-yellow and green variegated leaves. Its distinctive bamboo-like stems create a flowing, fountain-like mound that gently sways in the breeze, adding dynamic texture and soothing sound to your landscape. Ideal for brightening shaded borders, woodland gardens, or as an accent in containers, 'Aureola' provides year-round interest with its vibrant coloring. The foliage intensifies in color during cooler autumn months, developing lovely reddish-bronze hues before going dormant, offering a spectacular seasonal display. This low-maintenance grass pairs beautifully with hostas, ferns, and other shade-loving perennials, creating a sophisticated and tranquil garden tableau. Its refined appearance and easy-care nature make it a prized specimen for both novice and experienced gardeners seeking elegant groundcover or border definition.

Installation timing

When we're in season, outside of the winter months, our goal is to get your plants installed within about two weeks. That window gives us enough time to secure your plants from our supplier and find a spot on the schedule. Throughout the process we stay in touch through notifications and your existing client portal on the main A Cut Above website, which is separate from this landscaping plants shop.

Care & maintenance

Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola' thrives in well-drained, organically rich soil. Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry spells, but avoid waterlogging. Minimal pruning is required; simply cut back dead foliage in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Mulch annually to maintain soil moisture and fertility.

Watering suggestions

Proper watering is the single most important factor in your plant's survival after installation. Newly installed plants have a limited root system and rely on you for consistent moisture while they establish.

• First 2 weeks: Water deeply every day (or every other day in cooler, wet weather), soaking the root ball and surrounding soil.
• Weeks 3–12: Water deeply 2–3 times per week, adjusting for rain, heat, and soil drainage.
• After establishment: Water deeply about once a week during the growing season, and more often in extreme heat or drought.
• How to check: Stick a finger 2–3 inches into the soil near the roots — if it's dry, it's time to water. Deep, less-frequent watering encourages strong roots; shallow daily sprinkles do not.
• Avoid: Overwatering (soggy, waterlogged soil) is just as harmful as underwatering and can drown roots.

Watering needs vary by plant, season, soil, and exposure. Because proper watering is the customer's responsibility after installation, please make sure you understand and can follow these suggestions before ordering.

Good to know: plants and trees purchased from and installed by A Cut Above include a one-year limited warranty from the date of installation. Because plant survival depends heavily on proper watering and care after installation, losses caused by improper care, neglect, animal or chemical damage, or extreme weather are not covered, and we must be given the chance to inspect a struggling plant before it's removed or replaced. Coverage is one replacement per plant. Read our warranty info.