Featured Plant: Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’ - Golden Japanese Forest Grass

The Perennial Plant of 2009 has been named and it’s Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’. Most gardeners are way ahead of the game in appreciated this golden variegated grass, but I think a lot of us shy away from it because it can be so expensive to purchase. Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’ grows painfully slowly, so you’ll never see it at a plant swap or on the bargain table. It’s a treasure. The point behind the Perennial Plant of the Year is to remind gardeners of some of the great plants under their noses that deserve to be in their gardens. I think most all the Hakonechloa macra grasses fit that bill and Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’ is no exception. It shines in sun or shade, woodland or gravel walkway, in a pot alone or as a focal point. If you can summon the patience, I’m sure there’s a spot to grow Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’ in your garden.

Photo: © Marie Iannotti (2008) licensed to About.com, Inc.