Nicolas Japanese Forest Grass

Nicolas Japanese forest grass forms a low, arching mound of green to yellow-green leaves that turns red and orange in cool autumn weather. Its compact habit makes it useful at the front of a shaded border, beside a path, or as a groundcover beneath shrubs. ## Garden Use The cultivar patent describes a flowering height of about 24 cm, foliage near 15 cm, and a spread around 61 cm, with USDA Zones 5–9. It identifies ‘Nicolas’ as a clump-forming, slowly spreading grass suited to edging and groundcover; see the [Nicolas plant patent](https://patents.google.com/patent/USPP19898P2/en). The [Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder](https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=273921) reports a taller garden range, so mature height can vary with site and how flower stems are measured. ## Growing Conditions Plant in partial shade in humus-rich soil that remains evenly moist but drains well. The [Royal Horticultural Society profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/255001/hakonechloa-macra-nicolas/details) describes a slow-growing clump with green leaves and orange-red autumn color. In warm climates, protect it from harsh afternoon sun and avoid letting the root zone dry out for extended periods. ## Maintenance Cut old foliage close to the ground in late winter or early spring, before fresh leaves emerge. Divide mature clumps in spring when they have enough growth to handle division.