Common Japanese Forest Grass

Light Needs

Full Shade to Partial Shade

(0 - 4 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

1 Foot

Mature Spread

1 Foot

Growing Zones

5 to 8

Japanese Forest Grass is an essential element to include if you are planning an Asian inspired garden or if you want a Modern element for containers on a deck or patio.Common Japanese Forest Grass is also called by the name Hinoki Grass. There are a few different varieties that sport variegation or bright yellow colors. The Common form has the perfect , uniform, medium green color that lends a feeling of calm and peace to the edges of  Woodland garden or in a container for a deck or patio. 

Common Japanese Forest Grass looks best when it is planted in a large grouping. Used as an edging plant, it can add depth and interest to any foundation planting. This plant is tough enough to take a small amount of foot traffic if used along a sidewalk or driveway and bounce back like nothing happened. Deer do not browse Forest Grass and there are no diseases that pose a problem.

Common Japanese Forest Grass Care

This moderately growing grass will handle part sun to full shade easily. Well drained and moist soil is perfect to get Japanese Forest Grass established well. After being well established Hinoki Grass is very drought tolerant. Average texture soil that has low fertility is fine. Supplemental fertilizing is not needed often. Once every couple of years a mulch of organic compost is all the nutrients it needs to stay vigorous. 

Low maintenance is the middle name of this Forest Grass. The only cutting back is needed early in the spring. As the new growth starts to appear, remove all of the old stems. Leaving the dead stems through the winter will help to protect the plant's crown and act as a marker so you know where it will come up the following spring.

Common Japanese Forest Grass Spacing

Common Japanese Forest Grass has a mature height and width of 15-18 inches. PLanting many together gives the most impact to a garden. Spacing the plants at 18 inches on center is recommended.