This rare Grass, native to Japanese woodlands, is more commonly seen in gardens in the variegated form, but this all-green form is nice in its own low-key way. With arching leaves, it's as elegant as bamboo but without the invasiveness. Hakone Grass is particularly valuable because it thrives in shade, unlike other grasses. It is at its best in light shade in rich, moist soil that is well drained, where it grows slowly to form a luxuriant low-growing clump. Z. 6-9

'All Gold' has chartreuse leaves with golden highlights. Unlike its close relative 'Aureola', which tends to weep, 'All Gold' has spiky, more upright foliage and grows as a groundcover. Part shade or dappled light is best. Z. 6-8

The most popular form of Hakone Grass, and deservedly so with its elegant arching leaves striped yellow and green. In fall the leaves take on a salmony look. Like other forms of Hakone Grass, 'Aureola' thrives in shade, unlike other Grasses, and is wonderful for brightening a dark corner. When grown in deep shade, the variegation is lime green, but with part sun the variegation is golden yellow. A sumptuous Grass, deserving of a place in every shady garden. Z. 6-9

We're in the process of collecting every kind of Hakone Grass we can lay our hands on, and 'Beni Kaze' is one of the latest newest. It has green leaves in summer, but in fall these leaves turn a brilliant red to inflame your perennial border. Grows 6-8 inches high and about twice as wide. Z. 6-9

As you've probably deduced by now, because we carry so many different kinds, we're deeply enamored of Hakone Grass. This new introduction will enliven your shady perennial border in summer with its creamy yellow-and green-variegated leaves. In fall you'll enjoy the reddish-purple shades brought on by cooler weather. A double-edged Grass, so to speak. PP 19897. Z. 6-9

Weeping deep green leaves are graceful during the summer, but in fall their wild side is brought out as orange and red tones suffuse the foliage of this new selection. PP 19898. Z. 6-9

If you'd like a variegated Hakone Grass, but you find H. macra 'Aureola' a bit too bright, then give 'Sunny Delight' a try. It's the reverse variegation of 'Aureola'—green blades with yellow streaks. A little more subtle but just as much fun! Or combine with 'Aureola' for a striking contrast, not just in color but also in form as 'Sunny Delight' is a little taller and stiffer. Z. 6-9

New Hakone Grass selections just keep coming and coming, and Fubuki is one of the most distinctive and exciting releases to date. It is striped white and green, and when autumn comes, the leaves are striped pink. This sport of H. macra 'Aureola' is also a little more compact than its parent. Z. 6-9