The Perennial Plant Association has awarded the title of Perennial Plant of the Year® for 2009 to Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola' . This ornamental grass is a member of the Poaceae family. The species is native to Honshu Island, Japan. The genus derives its name from Hakon , a region in Japan, and chloa , the Greek word for grass. Individual blades are 1/2” wide and bright yellow color with very thin green stripes. In the cooler days of autumn the golden foliage becomes tinged with shades of pink and red. Hakonechloa is used mainly for its golden foliage, although it does produce tiny, inconspicuous flower spikes from late summer through mid autumn. It is one of few ornamental grasses suitable for growing in semi-shade.

 Large, daisy like flowers are rose-purple or white in color, bloom late spring and summer. Flowers attract butterflies and make good cut flowers. Perfect in naturalized settings or planted in groups in flower borders. Easily grown, thrives in summer heat. Remove spent flower heads to inrease flower production.