Japanese Forest Grass Companion Plants

If you’re looking to add graceful movement and soft color to a shady spot, Japanese forest grass is a wonderful choice. Finding the right japanese forest grass companion plants can turn a simple planting into a magical, layered garden scene. This shade-loving perennial, with its arching, bamboo-like foliage, provides a beautiful texture that pairs well with many other plants. Let’s look at some great partners that will thrive in the same conditions and create a cohesive look.

The key to success is understanding what Japanese forest grass (Hakonechloa macra) needs. It prefers part to full shade, moist but well-drained soil that’s rich in organic matter. It doesn’t like to dry out completely. By choosing companions that enjoy these same condition, you ensure all your plants will be happy and healthy. This makes your garden easier to care for in the long run.

This list focuses on perennials that enjoy shade and consistent moisture. They offer contrasting forms, colors, and bloom times to create interest throughout the year.

Foliage-Focused Partners

Since Japanese forest grass is primarily grown for its lovely leaves, pairing it with other interesting foliages creates a rich tapestry. The goal is to play with contrasts in shape, size, and color.

Hostas: A classic and foolproof pairing. Choose hostas with larger, broader leaves to contrast with the fine, grassy texture. Blue-leaved hostas like ‘Halcyon’ look stunning next to the bright green or gold varieties of Hakonechloa.
Ferns: Their delicate, lacy fronds offer a different kind of fine texture. Japanese painted ferns (Athyrium niponicum) add silvery and burgundy tones. Autumn ferns (Dryopteris erythrosora) provide coppery new growth that matures to green.
Heuchera (Coral Bells): These provide incredible color that lasts all season. Pair golden Japanese forest grass with a deep purple Heuchera like ‘Palace Purple’. For a brighter combo, try green Hakonechloa with a lime or peach-colored Heuchera.
Brunnera: Brunnera’s heart-shaped, often silver-spotted leaves are a perfect foil. The airy blue flowers in spring are a lovely bonus. ‘Jack Frost’ is a particularly popular variety for its striking foliage.

Flowering Companions for Seasonal Color

Incorporate these plants to add blooms that rise above the grassy cascade. They bring in pops of color at different times, ensuring your shade garden is never dull.

Astilbe: Their feathery plumes of pink, red, or white flowers in early to mid-summer look beautiful rising above the mound of grass. They share the same need for moisture and shade.
Hellebores (Lenten Rose): These provide very early spring blooms when little else is happening. Their evergreen leaves also add winter structure. Plant them nearby for a late-winter lift.
Pulmonaria (Lungwort): Another early bloomer, Pulmonaria offers clusters of pink or blue flowers and often spotted foliage. It’s a tough plant that spreads gently, filling in spaces nicely.
Tiarella (Foamflower): This native perennial sends up cute, foamy white or pink flower spikes in spring. Its foliage often has attractive markings and can turn reddish in fall.

Adding Structure and Height

To give the planting more layers, include some plants that grow taller. This adds depth and makes the garden feel more complete.

Hydrangeas (especially shade-tolerant types): A dwarf oakleaf or bigleaf hydrangea in the background provides a stunning shrubby layer. The large flower heads and big leaves create a dramatic backdrop for the delicate grass.
Rhododendrons & Azaleas: These acid-loving shrubs need similar soil conditions if your soil is suitable. Their spring bloom is spectacular, and their evergreen leaves (on most rhododendrons) give year-round structure.
Solomon’s Seal (Polygonatum): Its elegant, arching stems with hanging bell-shaped flowers mirror the grass’s habit in a taller form. It’s a graceful and architectural plant that thrives in deep shade.

Don’t Forget About Bulbs!

Spring-flowering bulbs are excellent companions because they bloom before the Japanese forest grass has fully leafed out. They provide early color, and their dying foliage is hidden by the expanding grass.

Plant small bulbs like crocus, scilla, or chionodoxa around the base.
Larger daffodils can work at the back of a border, but ensure the grass isn’t too dense for their foliage to photosynthesize.

Design Tips for Planting Your Combinations

Knowing what to plant is half the battle. Here’s how to put them together effectively.

Consider Color and Form: Use the grass as a flowing, mounding element. Place taller, upright plants like Astilbe or Solomon’s Seal behind it. Place lower, clumping plants like Heuchera or hostas in front or to the side.
Plant in Groups: For a natural look, plant in odd-numbered groups (3, 5, 7) of the same companion plant, rather than single specimens scattered about. This creates rhythm and cohesion.
Mind the Spacing: Give Japanese forest grass room to arch and spill. It can spread slowly, so plant companions about 12-18 inches away from the grass clump to start.
Prepare the Soil: This is the most important step. Amend the planting area with several inches of compost or leaf mold before planting. This improves moisture retention and fertility for all your plants.

Caring for Your Shade Garden Community

A well-planted garden is easier to maintain. Follow these simple steps to keep your plantings thriving.

Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the first year and in dry spells. A soaker hose or drip irrigation under a layer of mulch is ideal.
Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of shredded bark or leaf mulch around plants. This conserves moisture, suppresses weeds, and adds organic matter to the soil as it breaks down. Be sure to keep mulch away from the crowns of the plants.
Feeding: In early spring, apply a balanced, slow-release organic fertilizer or a top-dressing of compost. This gives all your perennials a gentle boost for the season.
Fall Cleanup: Leave the Japanese forest grass standing over winter. Its faded foliage provides interest and protects the crown. You can cut it back in early spring, just as new growth begins to emerge at the base.

Common Problems and Solutions

Even in shade, a few issues can pop up. Here’s what to watch for.

Slugs and Snails: These pests love moist, shady conditions and can munch on hostas, heucheras, and the new growth of Hakonechloa. Use organic slug bait, beer traps, or encourage natural predators like birds.
Dry Soil: If leaves start to brown at the tips, the soil is likely too dry. Increase watering frequency and check your mulch layer to ensure it’s adequate.
Too Much Sun: If planted in too much sun, Japanese forest grass can scorch, turning brown and crispy. If this happens, consider transplanting it to a shadier location in early spring or fall.

FAQ

What grows well with hakone grass?
All the plants mentioned above are excellent choices. The best partners are shade-loving perennials that enjoy consistent moisture, like hostas, ferns, heuchera, and astilbe.

Can you plant Japanese forest grass in full shade?
Yes, it performs very well in full shade, especially in hotter climates. In cooler climates, it can tolerate some morning sun, but afternoon shade is best to prevent leaf scorch.

Does Japanese forest grass like sun or shade?
It definitly prefers shade. Part shade to full shade is ideal. It can handle a bit of morning sun in cooler regions, but strong afternoon sun will damage its delicate leaves.

What are the best perennials for a shade garden?
Beyond Japanese forest grass, top perennials for shade include hostas, astilbe, ferns, hellebores, bleeding heart (Dicentra), brunnera, and pulmonaria. These all offer long season interest with minimal fuss.

How fast does Japanese forest grass spread?
It is a slow to moderate spreader. It grows in a graceful, cascading clump and won’t run rampant. You can divide it every few years in spring if you want to make more plants.

Creating a beautiful garden with Japanese forest grass at its heart is about choosing friends that share its needs. By focusing on shade-loving perennials with complementary textures and colors, you can build a low-maintenance, elegant retreat that looks good from spring straight through to fall. The gentle movement of the grass in the breeze adds a living element that makes the whole space feel peaceful and alive.