Golden Variegated Japanese Forest Grass

Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola'

Nature Hills Nursery

Brilliant All Gold Hakonechloa Grass that Glows in Shade Where Other Plants Struggle
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 4-9
Grows 1-2 ft Tall, 2-3 ft Wide
Showy Yellow Blooms From Late Summer to Early Fall
Ideal for Mass Planting in Asian Gardens

$41¹²

Shipping calculated at checkout.

In Stock

Enter your ZIP code to check shipping availability.

Plant Size

#1 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Aim for partial shade with about 4 to 6 hours of gentle morning sun. Avoid hot afternoon rays, as direct midday sun will scorch the delicate golden leaves and cause brown, crispy tips.
Soil: This grass thrives in rich, well-drained soil that stays cool and consistently moist. If you have heavy clay or quick-draining sand, mix in plenty of compost or organic matter to help the soil hold water without becoming soggy.

Watering Requirements

Consistent moisture is key to keeping this grass lush and vibrant. Water deeply and regularly during the first year to help the roots establish, then check the soil weekly to ensure it remains damp but not waterlogged. If watering is inconsistent, you will notice the leaf tips drying out and the plant growing much slower than normal.

Pruning Tips

Wait until early spring to cut back the old, tan foliage from the previous year. Trim the entire clump down to about 2 to 3 inches above the ground before you see new green shoots poking through. Leaving the old leaves up during winter acts like a natural blanket that insulates the crown from freezing temperatures.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer in early spring just as new growth begins to emerge. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers late in the growing season because they encourage weak, floppy growth that is easily damaged by winter weather.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Low Maintenance, Compact/Dwarf, Deer-resistant, Container Friendly, Non-invasive, Drought resistant, Groundcover
Hardiness Zone	5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Sunlight	Full sun, Partial shade
Height	1-2 ft
Width	2-3 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Peaty
Growth Rate	Moderate
Growth Habit	Bushy, Compact, Trailing
Plant Life Cycle	Perennial
Blooms In	Fall, Summer
Flower Color	Yellow
Suitable Space	Outdoors, Indoors
Plant Name	Grass
Botanical Name	Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola'
Species	hybrid
Cultivar	Aureola
Class	Poales
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Light up your landscaping with this lemon-bright delight! Don't let its delicate appearance fool you, this hardy and shade-tolerant Grass offers beauty and strength! Golden Variegated Hakone Grass creates a golden glow in spring and summer and transforms into a pinkish-tan come fall!

The Golden Variegated Hakone Grass (Hakonechloa 'Aureola'), also called Japanese Forest Grass, is admired for its cheerful color and shade-tolerant nature. This vibrant grass grows lovely long leaves that emerge along thin stalks. Some even compare this festive grass to young bamboo! These brilliant leaves curve elegantly toward the ground, creating a river-of-grass-like display when planted en masse.

This charming warm-season grass is known for its neat and tidy nature. It maintains its mounding form without pruning or clipping. Landscape artists and gardeners also appreciate its long-lived nature, making it an excellent monetary investment and a great investment in long-lasting beauty. The Golden Variegated Hakone Grass establishes quickly and can live up to fifteen years!

Planting and Application:

Where should you plant this lovely Ornamental Grass? Why not spread the love and create a cohesive garden look by taking advantage of its versatile nature and using it throughout your garden? This grass isn't just a great choice for hard-to-plant areas and urban gardens, it makes quite the statement as a shaded border and sloped planting. Its decorative nature makes it an excellent accent plant for edges, corners, and shady nooks in your garden.

If given the opportunity, the Golden Variegated Hakone Grass will light up the area in front of your woodlands, under your favorite tree, or beneath assorted foundation shrubs. This low-maintenance grass also adds authentic flair to your rock garden along with deeply saturated color. For containers in well-shaded and partially-shaded locations, Golden Variegated Hakone Grass is a brilliant choice.

Yellow Variegated Foliage
Full Flowing Mounding Form
Pinkish Tan Fall Color
Low Maintenance & Versatile
Shade Gardens, Soft Edging & Filler, Facer Plants & Containers

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Hakonechloa Forest Grass is very hardy throughout USDA growing zones 4 to 9, and grows to a 2-3 foot wide cascading mound only 1-2 feet in height. Thriving in partial shade or morning sun with afternoon shade, these grasses do best in well-drained soil with average consistent moisture. Provide mulch and supplemental moisture during drought. Prune back close to the ground each spring, but be patient while this warm-season grass takes its time to green up in spring.

Partial Shade-Tolerant
Moderate Moisture Needs
Enriched Well-Drained Soil
Warm-Season Grass Variety
Prune Early Spring

Golden Variegated Hakone Grass is stylish, long-lived, and low-maintenance. Need we say more? Order yours before they're gone! Now available at NatureHills.com!

Free shipping

On all orders over $199
Plant Sentry™

Compliant guaranteed
Easy returns

Hassle free returns policy
Live Chat

Talk to a real person

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the mature size and height of Golden Variegated Japanese Forest Grass?

Golden Variegated Japanese Forest Grass typically reaches 12-18 inches tall and spreads 18-24 inches wide at maturity. This compact perennial forms neat, flowing mounds that maintain their shape without pruning. Allow 2-3 feet between plants for proper spacing and optimal display.

What is the best pH range for planting Golden Variegated Japanese Forest Grass?

Golden Variegated Japanese Forest Grass thrives in slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0. This adaptable perennial tolerates various soil conditions as long as drainage is adequate. Test your soil before planting and amend with organic matter if needed - find this hardy grass at naturehills.com.

How is Golden Variegated Japanese Forest Grass shipped—bare root, potted, or when?

Golden Variegated Japanese Forest Grass is typically shipped as potted plants during the growing season from spring through fall. This allows the grass to establish quickly in your garden. Plant in spring or early fall for best results in shaded to partially shaded locations.

Will it survive in zone 4, or does it need extra winter protection?

Golden Variegated Japanese Forest Grass is hardy to zone 5, so zone 4 gardeners will need to provide winter protection. In zone 4, plant in a sheltered location and apply a thick mulch layer after the ground begins to freeze.

What are the light requirements—full shade, partial shade, or some sun?

Golden Variegated Japanese Forest Grass thrives in partial to full shade conditions. This shade-tolerant perennial actually prefers protection from direct sun, making it perfect for those challenging darker spots in your landscape. Plant it under trees, along shaded borders, or in containers on covered patios for best results.

How often should I water it, and does it like consistently moist soil?

Hakone grass prefers consistently moist, well-draining soil and doesn't tolerate drought well. Water regularly during dry spells, especially in summer when it's actively growing. Check soil moisture weekly and maintain even dampness without waterlogging.

How do I care for it—pruning, dividing, or maintenance tips?

This grass maintains its neat mounding form naturally without any pruning or clipping needed. Simply cut back the foliage in late winter before new growth emerges. Divide clumps every 3-4 years in spring to maintain vigor and create new plants.

Golden Variegated Japanese Forest Grass

Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola'