Hakonechloa ‘Nicolas’

Rosy Orange Tones from Spring through Fall.

These leaves begin green, then liven up.

Plant Patent Applied For. So bright they look lit from within, the arching, strappy leaves of this splendid ornamental grass delight from spring through autumn and even long into winter in most climates. In a reversal of the usual process, they begin green, then turn brilliant shades for late spring, summer, and autumn.

The new foliage is plain old green, but fortunately it quickly begins acquiring its orange hues. Before long it shows flashes of red, scarlet, and pumpkin, becoming even more intense in autumn. A nicely mounded, cascading plant 18 to 20 inches high and 15 to 18 inches wide, ‘Nicolas’ is the perfect specimen for a fine container, mass planting for the shade border or woodland garden, or even a foundation standout. Few ornamental grasses tolerating partial shade can offer such brilliant color — and none for such a long season.

The individual leaves measure about 4 to 6 inches long and just 1/2-inch wide. They erupt from the center on very full, bushy plants, with inner leaves displaying fewer red tones than their sun-exposed neighbors. No two leaves is just alike, so you can imagine what a large planting of this stunning grass looks like.

Give ‘Nicolas’ relief from the strong afternoon sun in all but the most northerly climates. It is hardy right through zone 10, and doesn’t mind heat and humidity one whit. The foliage turns bronzy-cream in winter, and usually remains nicely textured until buried in snow! All it needs is well-drained soil and a bit of shade to show off its best colors for many seasons to come. Zones 6-10.