When to plant Hakone grass?

Hakonechloa macra thrives in partial to full shade, making it an excellent choice for the shadier corners of your garden where many grasses struggle. It tolerates a wide range of soil types—loam, sandy soil, and clay—but the ground must be moisture-retentive yet well-drained. Avoid planting in dry, exposed positions or heavy, waterlogged clay that stays wet in winter. Plant in spring (March to May) or early autumn (September to October). Spring planting gives the roots a full growing season to establish before winter, while autumn planting works well if the soil is still warm and not waterlogged. Prepare the site by digging in plenty of organic matter—garden compost or well-rotted manure—to improve both drainage and moisture retention, especially in sandy or heavy clay soils. Dig a planting hole slightly larger than the root ball and set the plant at the same depth it was growing in its pot. Space plants 45 cm apart; Hakonechloa spreads slowly to form a low mound 40–60 cm wide, so don't be tempted to crowd them. Firm the soil gently around the roots and water thoroughly to settle the plant in. After planting, apply a 5 cm layer of mulch—bark chips or leaf mould work well—around the base to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Keep the soil consistently moist through the first growing season, especially during dry spells in spring and summer. Hakonechloa is slow to establish and can sulk if allowed to dry out in its first year, so attentive watering in year one pays dividends later.