All Gold Japanese Forest Grass

Hakonechloa macra 'All Gold'

Plants that Work®

Brilliant Golden Foliage Transforms Shady Spots into Glowing Garden Features
Thrives in Zones 5-9
Deer Resistant, Pollution Tolerant
Perfect for Mass Planting in Asian Gardens
Moderate-Growing in Full Shade to Partial Shade

$44³⁰

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Plant Size

#1 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Provide 2 to 4 hours of morning sun for the most vivid gold color. Avoid harsh afternoon sun because it can scorch the delicate blades and turn them brown.
Soil: Choose rich, organic soil that holds moisture like a wrung-out sponge but still drains well. If you have heavy clay, mix in compost to improve drainage so the roots do not sit in standing water.

Watering Requirements

Keep the soil consistently moist during the first year while the root system establishes itself. While mature plants are more resilient, they will show stress through crispy leaf tips if the soil stays dry for too long. Aim for a deep soaking once or twice a week depending on your local heat.

Pruning Tips

Think of the spring cleanup like a fresh haircut for the new year. In late winter or very early spring before new shoots appear, cut the dead brown blades back to about 3 inches above the ground. This allows the vibrant gold growth to emerge cleanly without getting tangled in last year's dried foliage.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer once in early spring as the new growth begins to poke through the soil. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers in the late summer or fall. Excessive nitrogen late in the season encourages tender growth that is easily killed by the first hard frost.

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	Drought resistant, Attracts pollinators, Groundcover, Evergreen
Hardiness Zone	5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Sunlight	Partial shade
Height	1-2 ft
Width	1-2 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Loamy, Peaty, Sandy
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 'All Gold'
Species	macra
Cultivar	All Gold
Class	Poales
Does Not Ship To	AK, AZ, CA, HI, ID, MT, PR, NV, OR, WA

Bright Color For Shady Spots

Add golden drama to your garden beds with the award-winning All Gold Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa macra 'All Gold'). Known for its vibrant, chartreuse-to-golden-yellow foliage, this shade-loving ornamental grass delivers unmatched color where many plants fade. A cascading, mounded form and lightly arching blades give it the texture of flowing hair, truly a plant with personality!

All Gold Japanese Forest Grass thrives in part shade to full shade gardens, and in cooler regions, can even handle full sun. This warm-season, easy-care accent grass spreads lightly by rhizomes to fill in softly and naturally without becoming invasive. It was even named Perennial Plant of the Year for its dazzling color and low-maintenance adaptability.

With vivid foliage, graceful form, and wide adaptability, this ornamental grass is a go-to for woodland gardens, modern landscaping, Zen gardens, or wherever you need to brighten dark corners. Hardy in USDA Zones 5-9, this is a deer-resistant, shade-loving, fine-textured groundcover option you’ll return to again and again.

Key Features

Award-winning ornamental grass for shade
Brilliant golden-yellow foliage all season
Low, mounded form with arching, cascading blades
Growing up to 24 inches tall and wide
Spreads lightly by rhizomes but stays compact
Thrives in full shade to part sun; full sun only in Zone 5
Low-maintenance and deer-resistant
Great for containers, edging, mass plantings, and shade borders

Landscaping Uses

All Gold Japanese Forest Grass adds brilliant color and soft texture in low-light areas and shady gardens. Reaching just 18-24 inches tall and wide, it forms tidy, flowing mounds that soften edges and create rhythm in the landscape. Try yours flanking a front door, massed under trees, or playing a starring role in containers; this grass adds pop, polish, and pizzazz!

Brighten woodland or shade gardens with a golden color
Line pathways or the front of mixed borders
Mass under mature trees as a living mulch or shade-tolerant groundcover
Perfect accent in Asian gardens or Zen meditation spaces
Great container thriller or spiller in part shade
Use in foundation plantings for soft contrast
Excellent for rock gardens in cool climates
Adds texture to cottage gardens

Care and Maintenance

This is a warm-season, herbaceous ornamental grass that thrives in shade and is surprisingly adaptable to low-light conditions. It's also drought-tolerant once established and grows slowly by rhizomes.

Planting Time: Spring or early fall is best
Sun Needs: Full shade to part shade (full sun only in Zone 5)
Soil Needs: Humus-rich, well-drained soil; tolerates clay if amended; avoid soggy or overly dry conditions
Moisture Needs: Uniform moisture; mulch well in dry conditions
Mulch/Arborist Mulch: Apply a 3-4 inch deep layer of arborist mulch to conserve moisture
Fertilization Needs: Light feeding in spring with balanced, slow-release fertilizer or compost
Pruning Info: Cut back to a few inches in early spring before new growth emerges
Division Info: Divide in spring or early fall as needed for rejuvenation or spreading
Special Needs/Perks/Growing Tips and Tricks for Success:

Deer and rabbit-resistant
Tolerant of urban conditions
Low maintenance

Add a Dash of Gold to Your Shade Garden

Bring "drama in the shade" to your garden beds with All Gold Japanese Forest Grass. This shimmering ornamental grass adds movement, contrast, and unforgettable color in shady areas where other plants fade into the background. With its cascading blades and bold golden hues, it’s the perfect accent for serene meditation gardens, bold borders, or whimsical container plantings.

Order now at Nature Hills Nursery and we’ll ship this golden gem at the right planting time for your growing zone.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does All Gold Japanese Forest Grass grow well in full shade or partial shade?

All Gold Japanese Forest Grass thrives in both full shade and partial shade conditions. This award-winning ornamental grass actually prefers shade over sun in most climates, though it can handle full sun in cooler Zone 5 regions. Plant it in your shadiest spots where other colorful plants struggle to perform.

Is All Gold Japanese Forest Grass deer resistant?

Yes, All Gold Japanese Forest Grass is deer resistant, making it an excellent choice for gardens in areas with deer pressure. This award-winning ornamental grass thrives in USDA Zones 5-9 and maintains its brilliant golden foliage without needing protection from browsing deer. Shop at Nature Hills for this low-maintenance shade perennial.

What type of soil does All Gold Japanese Forest Grass prefer?

All Gold Japanese Forest Grass adapts to most well-draining soils and isn't particularly fussy about soil type. It performs best in consistently moist but not waterlogged conditions. Improve heavy clay with compost for better drainage, and add organic matter to sandy soils to retain moisture.

How often does All Gold Japanese Forest Grass need watering?

All Gold Japanese Forest Grass needs regular watering during its first growing season to establish roots. Once established, this low-maintenance perennial tolerates some drought but performs best with consistent moisture. Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry, especially during hot spells.

How do I care for All Gold Japanese Forest Grass in winter, like mulching or pruning?

All Gold Japanese Forest Grass needs minimal winter care in zones 5-9. Leave the foliage standing through winter for natural protection, then cut back to 2-3 inches in early spring before new growth emerges. Shop at Nature Hills for this low-maintenance perennial.

Does All Gold Japanese Forest Grass spread aggressively, or can it be controlled by division?

All Gold Japanese Forest Grass spreads lightly by rhizomes but stays compact and non-invasive. It forms tidy mounds 18-24 inches wide that can be easily controlled through division every 3-4 years. Simply dig and divide clumps in spring to manage size and create new plants.

What size plants will I receive when ordering All Gold Japanese Forest Grass online?

You'll receive a young plant that will reach its mature size of 18-24 inches tall and wide within 2-3 growing seasons. Japanese Forest Grass establishes quickly in zones 5-9 and fills out into its characteristic mounded form by the second year. Plant in spring for best establishment.

How is All Gold Japanese Forest Grass shipped, and is it well-packed?

All Gold Japanese Forest Grass ships as a potted plant, carefully packed to protect its delicate arching blades during transit. The plants arrive ready to establish in your Zone 5-9 garden. Plant immediately upon arrival or keep watered in a shaded spot until you're ready to transplant.

Is All Gold Japanese Forest Grass available now, or only for pre-order in spring?

All Gold Japanese Forest Grass is typically available for spring planting, as it's a warm-season perennial that's best planted after the last frost in zones 5-9. This award-winning ornamental grass establishes quickly once temperatures warm up. Check current availability and plan to plant in late spring for best results.