Greenscape Gardens Green Blog

2009 Perennial Plant Of The Year Announced

The Perennial Plant Association (PPA) has announced the 2009 Perennial Plant Of The Year. Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’ features a graceful, flowing form and golden foliage. The color can vary depending on where the grass is planted.

In partial shade, the foliage will appear almost all-yellow, with narrow green stripes near the margins.

In full sun, the foliage can bleach to a parchment yellow, and in full shade, it becomes chartreuse. ‘Aureola’ will maintain its graceful, cascading habit throughout the season. In late summer, seed panicles will appear above the foliage. When the weather gets cooler, the foliage turns a reddish-pink hue. ‘Aureola’ can grow up to two feet tall and is hardy in Zones 5-9, and has been known to overwinter as low as Zone 4