Ornamental grasses are great for giving a garden space the feeling of movement and relaxation in even the slightest breeze. Japanese forest grass goes one step further and is able to tolerate near total shade with no harm to its health or foliage color. This grass typically reaches 1-2 feet tall, making it useful for growing at the front of a garden border. It also works well as a dramatic groundcover for taller shrubs and trees. Few, if any, pests are a problem for Japanese forest grass. Deer rarely browse on the strappy but soft foliage.
Photo by K M, unmodified, Flickr, copyright CC BY 2.0 DEED
Japanese forest grass is at home in shaded flower borders and woodland gardens. It grows well in average garden soil with good drainage and regular moisture. Fertilizing is rarely required beyond an annual topdressing of organic compost. Consistent watering is required until the grass establishes its fibrous root system.
This grass is fully hardy in USDA zones 5-9. In climates with mild winters, the spent foliage will remain over the winter, which helps to protect the growing crown from wet, cold weather.
Shrubs To Plant With Japanese Forest Grass
The elegant fountain shape of Japanese forest grass works nicely when planted as a lower story layer near shrubs and small trees. Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses to keep Japanese forest grass well watered until it is fully established in the landscape. Once established, Japanese forest grass is fairly drought tolerant and can grow well in dry shade under shrubs and trees.
For a relaxing and zen-inspired garden, grow Japanese forest grass under paperbark birch, Tibetan cherry tree, or tall varieties of ninebark and red twig dogwood. To add color, include azaleas, hydrangeas, Mexican orange, or red-colored myrtle shrubs.
Perennials To Plant With Japanese Forest Grass
The best perennial companion plants for Japanese forest grass grow well in partial shade and consistent moisture. Good choices include amsonia, wild ginger, lady’s mantle, hardy geranium, and hosta. Add deep-colored ground covers nearby that will intensify the bright coloring of the grass, including purple ajuga, black mondo grass, and coral bells. Together, these plants can create a low-maintenance planting.
Photo by K M, unmodified, Flickr, copyright CC BY 2.0 DEED
Annuals To Plant With Japanese Forest Grass
Annuals are natural companions and provide long-lasting color throughout the growing season. Annuals also can be changed each year, providing a chance to try the latest trendy plants or unusual color schemes. Look for shade-loving annuals such as fuchsia, pansy, violas, coleus, and caladium. In partial shade, you can include sweet potato vine, calibrachoa, tradescantia, tuberous begonias, and ivy leaf geranium. The extra sunlight will intensify the color of Japanese forest grass.
Best Companion Plants For Japanese Forest Grass in Containers
Japanese forest grass makes a striking addition to containers and planters. Pair it with shallow-rooted annuals and herbaceous perennials, such as ferns, coleus and tuberous begonia. The Japanese forest grass can serve the role of thriller, filler, or spiller, depending on how it’s combined with other plants. Make sure to use a large planter (greater than 20 inches in diameter) to accommodate the fibrous root system of Japanese forest grass.
Photo by K M, unmodified, Flickr, copyright CC BY 2.0 DEED
Plants Not To Grow With Japanese Forest Grass
Pond or marginal pond plants are not appropriate companions for Japanese forest grass. Avoid pairing this grass with flag Iris, march marigold, dwarf cattail, and waterlilies, which all require submerged soil. Lack of drainage can weaken the root system of Japanese forest grass and lead to root rot.
Best Plants To Grow With Japanese Forest Grass
The flowing lines of Japanese forest grass mix beautifully with plants that have an informal and calming feel. Other tall ornamental grasses used as a backdrop to the brightly colored forest grass add layers of texture and a feeling of coziness. For bright summer color, include daylilies, Japanese anemone, cosmos, coneflowers, and zinnias, which complement the easy elegance of Japanese forest grass.
Sources: “Hakonechloa macra.” Missouri Botanical Garden. missouribotanicalgarden.org