How big does Japanese forest grass grow?

About 45 cm × 60 cm after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 30–50 cm × 30–60 cm.

What soil does Japanese forest grass grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, acidic.

Is Japanese forest grass hardy?

Hardy down to -29 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

When does Japanese forest grass flower?

Flowering: July–August, green, yellow.

How much water does Japanese forest grass need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: low.

How much does Japanese forest grass cost?

It sells for roughly €11 to €14 in local shops, depending on size.

Japanese forest grass

Hakonechloa macra

Japanese forest grass (Hakonechloa macra) is an ornamental grass that reaches 45 cm × 60 cm after ten years. Light: part shade, shade. Hardy down to -29 °C. Drought tolerance: low. Sold in local shops from about €11.

Illustration of Japanese forest grass — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A soft grass with arching, bamboo-like leaves that is happiest in part shade and shade, good under trees, along edges and in pots. It needs humus-rich soil that stays evenly moist but not wet, and the leaves scorch in hot sun and drought. It is slow to get going and to bulk up, takes on reddish-orange tints in autumn, and should be cut to the ground in late winter.

Watch out for

In the hot, dry summers of Central Europe the foliage scorches easily in sun or dry soil, so it needs watering and mulch. It is slow to establish and frost can heave young plants out of the ground, so mulch it in the first winter. In containers the roots can freeze through; overwinter pots in a sheltered place.

Key facts

Light: Part shade, Shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 45 cm × 60 cm
Hardiness: down to -29 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D July–August, green, yellow

Group	Ornamental grass
Light	Part shade, Shade
Size after 10 years	45 cm × 60 cm
Ultimate size	30–50 cm × 30–60 cm
Hardiness	down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Acidic
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	July–August, green, yellow
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Low
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	40 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	no data
Typical price	from about €11

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
20-40 cm	approx. €11
size not stated	approx. €14

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

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