The Prettiest Grass - Award-Winning Perennial

It's no easy task to call out a single fabulous perennial when there are thousands upon thousands to choose from. But the Perennial Plant Association is up to the task, as proved by their choice of Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola' as the Perennial Plant of the Year for 2009. Native to Honshu Island, Japanese forest grass is famous for its bright yellow foliage striped in green. The effect is of a liquid puddle of sunshine, shimmering and undulating in the slightest breeze.

By summer's end the grass turns golden, then tinges pink and red with autumn chill. It can be used to great effect in containers,  massed as groundcover, or to trim a flower bed, walkway or border. Japanese forest grass prefers partial shade, moist soil, and turns to bleached straw in winter. Cut it back in March, and it'll quickly grow back into silky, golden mounds (below).

Previous year's award winners include:

2008 Geranium ‘Rozanne’
2007 Nepeta ‘Walker’s Low’
2006 Dianthus gratianopolitanus ‘Feuerhexe’
2005 Helleborus x hybridus
2004 Athyrium niponicum 'Pictum'

For a complete list and photos, check out the Perennial Plant Association website.

Comments

[Ray Larson]

Hi Val,
I can't believe it took the PPA so long to recognize this great plant. Maybe its been less available in other parts of the country until recently? I've often used it as a barometer of when the shadier parts of my garden are getting too dry in the summer, as it will wilt a bit after too much aridity. In my fairly well drained soil, it is the first thing that will look thirsty. It lets me know that I should water a bit before other plants start suffering after a couple of weeks without rain. Fortunately it snaps back quickly, so no harm done. It's been a favorite of mine for nearly 20 years now, and it is nice that it is so available locally these past decade. I agree that Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola' is a great container accent--even in sun--and will happily increase with regular water. I still prefer 'Aureola' over the more recent 'All Gold.'

[Valerie Easton]

Hi Ray,
Thanks for the info about using Japanese forest grass for a barometer of when it's time to water - and 'Aureola' is my favorite, too, even though 'All Gold' seems to be the more popular cultivar lately....the narrow stripe on each blade of 'Aureola' makes it more shimmery and multi-dimensional than the solid color 'All Gold'....
Val

[coach outlet]

Wow! I love this!*

[coach outlet]

Wow! I love this!*