Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola'

Perennial herbaceous shade plant that forms a tuft of typical round shape, with slightly pink, feathery and pendulous, rather showy ears. In the breeze its leaves look like moving waves.

It is a slow growing grass initially and reaches mature size in three years.
Of the variegated cultivars, 'Aureola' is the most vigorous.
Flowers and leaves remain attractive even in winter, despite drying out. The ears are suitable as cut flowers, fresh or dried. The leaves are also beautiful in the bouquets.
If planted in a pot, the beautiful foliage and the typical rounded fountain structure are enhanced; useful for giving a touch of light in shady places.
Suitable for surrounding other undergrowth plants, such as carex, ferns, hellebores, epimedium, geranium, liriope, hosta.

Classification
Common name: Variegated Hakone grass.
Genus and species: Hakonechloa macra
Cultivar: 'Aureola'
Family: Poaceae.

Characteristics
Description of flowers: Feathery apical spikes borne on thin, arched stems that rise above the leaves.
Flower color: Shades of pink-purple, then become green.
Flowering period: Late summer; the dried flowers last until the following spring.
Leaves: Lanceolate, arched, bright yellow with green stripes, tinged with purple shades in autumn.
Perfume: -
Dimensions: Height and width approximately 50 cm.

Cultivation
Exposure: Partial shade (no more than morning sun), light shade (too much shade can make gold variegations appear darker, lime green).
Soil: Any soil without waterlogging, even poor.
Watering: When needed, it likes regular watering, but without excess.
Frost resistance: USDA 5

Care
Pruning: The foliage should be left on during the winter because it adds interest to the landscape even when dry. Cut to the ground in spring.
Propagation: It is propagated by dividing the tufts in spring.

Notes of interest
Awards: “Award of Garden Merit” (AGM) from the Royal Horticultural Society.