Hakonechloa macra Mulled Wine

Japanese forest grass

Position

Prefers partial shade to full shade; tolerates more sun in cooler regions.

Hardiness

Hardy down to approximately -15°C (5°F).

Soil Type

Well-drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter; loamy soil is ideal.

Soil PH

Adapts to a range of pH levels, including slightly acidic to neutral.

Height

Reaches a height of 30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 inches).

Seasons of Interest

Spring: Bronze-purple new growth
Summer: Deep burgundy-wine coloured foliage
Autumn: Rich red-purple tones
Winter: Dies back completely
Tiny flower plumes in late summer (insignificant)

Additional Notes

Excellent ground cover for shady areas
Perfect for woodland gardens
Good container plant
Cut back dead foliage in late winter
Slow to establish but worth the wait
Looks great with ferns and hostas
Forms neat, arching mounds
Deer and rabbit resistant
Divide clumps every 3-4 years in spring
Benefits from annual mulching
Adds movement to the garden
Good for underplanting trees and shrubs
Low maintenance once established
Attractive cascading habit
Perfect for slope stabilisation

Hakonechloa macra ‘Mulled Wine’ is an exquisite ornamental grass that can bring year-round interest and vibrant foliage to any garden. Known for its striking colours and graceful habit, this perennial is an excellent choice for gardeners looking to add texture and hue to their landscapes. In this guide, we will explore how to successfully grow and care for Hakonechloa ‘Mulled Wine’ to maximise its beauty in your garden.

Introduction to Hakonechloa ‘Mulled Wine’

Hakonechloa, commonly known as Japanese forest grass, originates from the mountainous regions of Japan, where its elegant arching blades create a flowing carpet of colour. The cultivar ‘Mulled Wine’ is particularly prized for its stunning foliage, which undergoes a delightful transformation through the seasons. This grass enhances garden aesthetics with its unique texture and captivating tones, making it an ideal addition to a wide variety of garden settings.

Captivating Year-Round Colour

One of the standout features of Hakonechloa ‘Mulled Wine’ is its foliage, which provides vibrant interest throughout the year. Starting in spring, the grass emerges with rich green leaves tinged with red. As the seasons progress, the foliage becomes a deep wine-red, intensifying in autumn to create a spectacular display. The interplay of colours makes this grass a focal point in any garden, providing a stunning contrast to other plants.

During winter, the foliage fades to a subtle beige, adding a different texture and colour to the winter landscape. This year-round interest ensures that Hakonechloa ‘Mulled Wine’ continually contributes to the garden’s visual appeal, even in the colder months.

Ideal Growing Conditions

To fully enjoy the beauty of Hakonechloa ‘Mulled Wine’, providing optimal growing conditions is essential. Here are the key requirements for successfully cultivating this ornamental grass:

Sunlight: This grass prefers partial shade to full shade, mimicking its native forest floor environment. While it can tolerate more sun in cooler climates, direct sunlight in hotter regions may scorch the leaves.
Soil: Plant in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. A loamy soil type is ideal, offering a balance of water retention and drainage.
Temperature Tolerance: Hakonechloa ‘Mulled Wine’ is hardy and can survive temperatures as low as -15°C (5°F). Winter protection in particularly harsh climates can help prevent damage from extreme cold.

Planting Hakonechloa ‘Mulled Wine’

For successful planting, consider the following guidelines:

Site Selection: Choose a location that receives dappled sunlight or is shaded, especially during the hottest part of the day. This helps keep the foliage lush and prevents fading.
Preparing the Soil: Amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and drainage. A slightly acidic to neutral pH is preferred, though Hakonechloa can adapt to a range of conditions.
Planting Process: Plant in spring or autumn when soil conditions are favourable for root establishment. Dig a hole twice as wide but no deeper than the root ball. Place the plant in the hole with the top of the root ball level with the soil surface. Backfill with soil, firming gently, and water thoroughly to settle the plant.

Care and Maintenance

Hakonechloa ‘Mulled Wine’ is relatively low maintenance once established, but some care will maximise its beauty and health:

Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water regularly during dry spells, particularly in summer, to maintain lush growth.
Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and provide nutrients as it breaks down.
Fertilising: Feed with a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in spring to encourage vigorous growth. Avoid excessive amounts, as they can lead to overly lush foliage that’s prone to flopping.
Pruning: Cut back old foliage in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. This encourages fresh, healthy blades to emerge and maintains a tidy appearance.

Pests and Diseases

Hakonechloa ‘Mulled Wine’ is generally resistant to most pests and diseases, contributing to its appeal as a reliable garden plant. However, keep an eye out for slugs, particularly on new growth. Use slug control methods like trapping or organic pellets to protect the plant.

Garden Design Ideas

Hakonechloa ‘Mulled Wine’ offers versatility in garden design, allowing for creative placement. Here are a few ideas for incorporating it into your landscape:

Borders and Edges: Use it to soften the edges of borders or paths with its flowing habit, creating a natural look.
Ground Cover: Plant in groups to form a carpet of colour beneath trees or taller shrubs, providing a lovely understorey planting.
Containers: Grow in pots or containers to appreciate its texture and colour up close, ideal for patios or balconies.
Mixed Plantings: Pair with other shade-loving perennials such as hostas, ferns, and heucheras for a varied and interesting textural display. Its rich colour contrasts beautifully with plants that have lighter foliage.

Conclusion

Hakonechloa macra ‘Mulled Wine’ is a beautiful and adaptable ornamental grass that offers dynamic visual interest throughout the year. With its vibrant foliage and graceful form, it enhances any garden setting, whether used in borders, as a ground cover, or in containers. By providing the right growing conditions and basic care, you can enjoy the stunning display of rich colours and textures that this grass brings to your landscape.

Embrace the beauty of Hakonechloa ‘Mulled Wine’ and let it transform your garden into a tapestry of colour and movement, providing enjoyment in every season.

If you’d like to learn more about Hakonechloa, the RHS offers a great article you can explore here.

For more information on Ornamental Grasses please click here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How tall does Hakonechloa ‘Mulled Wine’ grow?

A: This ornamental grass reaches 30-45cm (12-18 inches) in height with a similar spread. The compact size makes it perfect for borders, containers, and woodland garden edges.

Q: Where can I buy Hakonechloa ‘Mulled Wine’?

A: Hakonechloa ‘Mulled Wine’ is not readily available in most garden centres but can be purchased online from retailers like Amazon in the UK.

Q: What makes the foliage special?

A: The leaves emerge green in spring, developing rich burgundy-purple tones as they mature. The colour intensifies through summer and takes on bronze highlights in autumn.

Q: What growing conditions does it prefer?

A: ‘Mulled Wine’ thrives in partial shade to full shade. It grows best in rich, moist but well-draining soil and appreciates protection from strong winds.

Q: How fast does it grow?

A: This grass spreads slowly, creating neat, arching clumps. It takes 2-3 years to reach full size, making it well-behaved and easy to manage in garden settings.

Q: Is it winter hardy?

A: ‘Mulled Wine’ withstands temperatures down to -15°C (5°F). Cut back old foliage in late winter to make way for fresh spring growth.

Q: Does it need regular maintenance?

A: Beyond annual cutting back in late winter, this grass needs minimal care. Remove any dead leaves during the growing season to maintain its neat appearance.

Q: Can I grow it in containers?

A: Yes, ‘Mulled Wine’ grows beautifully in containers. Use a good-quality, moisture-retentive compost and ensure adequate drainage. Regular watering becomes essential for pot-grown specimens.

Q: What plants combine well with it?

A: The dark foliage pairs wonderfully with ferns, hostas, and astilbes. It also contrasts beautifully with pale-flowered plants and other ornamental grasses.

Q: How should I divide it?

A: Divide established clumps every 3-4 years in spring. This maintains plant vigour and creates new plants for other areas of the garden.

Q: Does it suffer from any pests or diseases?

A: ‘Mulled Wine’ shows good resistance to pests and diseases. Slugs might occasionally damage new growth, but established plants rarely face serious problems.