Beni Kaze Japanese Forest Grass

Hakonechloa macra ‘Beni Kaze’—also written ‘Beni-Kaze’ or ‘Benikaze’—has green arching foliage through summer that turns red as the weather cools. This warm-season grass forms a flowing mound, with flower spikelets that remain secondary to the foliage display. [Morton Arboretum](https://mortonarb.org/plant-and-protect/trees-and-plants/japanese-forest-grass/) [University of Wisconsin–Madison Extension](https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/japanese-forest-grass-hakonechloa-macra/) [Gurney’s](https://www.gurneys.com/products/beni-kaze-japanese-forest-grass) ## Landscape Use Use it as a soft border or path edge, beneath shrubs, or in a mass planting where the red autumn color can repeat along a shaded bed. It also works in a container with enough soil volume for its spreading mound. ## Growing Conditions Provide partial shade or a site with some sun, and keep the soil moist but well drained. Gurney’s lists a mature height of 24–36 inches and spread of 2–3 feet, with USDA zones 5–9. The wider spread and taller height suit this more vigorous selection. ## Seasonal Interest Green leaves dominate in summer; red tones become strongest in fall. Small pale-green flowers are not a major ornamental feature. ## Maintenance Cut the old foliage back to the ground in late winter or early spring before fresh growth begins. Divide an established clump in spring when propagation is desired.