An exquisite selection from Japan with cascading narrow blades bathed in a gold wash. A clump of 'Gold Fountains' adds a bright, fine-textured accent to a shady perennial bed. Grows 12-15 inches. Z. 5-8

Bronze-colored leaves with rust and blond shadings create an iridescent effect and combine well with purple-leaved plants. This evergreen Sedge reaches 2-3 feet, and the colorful foliage arches over gracefully. Fall and winter color is an attractive coral. Full sun or light shade in well-drained soil. Z. (6)7-9

Shiny narrow foliage is edged with silvery-white variegation, which makes a bright splash in the shade garden. Although 'Ice Dance' prefers evenly moist conditions, it is quite drought tolerant once established. Z. 5-9

This richly colored Sedge is loaded with complex shades of chocolate, olive, and burgundy—an extraordinary addition to any perennial planting, or stunning when used in containers. Gracefully arching foliage reaches about 18 inches. Sun or light shade in moist but well-drained soil. Z. 7-9

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

An interesting new selection of this beloved groundcover for shady sites, 'Okina' leafs out white in spring before turning mint green in summer. In late summer spikes of lavender flowers appear above the broad foliage. Grows 9-12 inches high. Z. 6-9

Slender yellow-green leaves form a clump about 10 inches high, and in late summer lavender flower spikes add to the colorful display. Spice up your shade garden! Z. 6-9

The slender foliage of this low-growing Mondo Grass is striped gold and green. Lilac flowers are borne on short stalks in mid to late summer. Plant in a shady, moist site. Z. 6-9

An intriguing groundcover for light to half shade, the dark purple, straplike leaves appear almost black and provide a good foil for brightly colored foliage plants. The plants grow about 6 inches high. Z. 6-9