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
- Grab a soil test kit and ensure the perfect conditions for growth
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
Foliage That Shines: Hakonechloa ‘Mulled Wine’ Through the Seasons
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. This guide 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 various 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 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
Providing optimal growing conditions is essential to thoroughly enjoying the beauty of Hakonechloa Mulled Wine. 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 offers 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 day. This helps keep the foliage lush and prevents fading.
- Preparing the Soil: Improve 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 various conditions.
- Planting Process: Plant in spring or autumn when soil conditions favour 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.
Growing Hakonechloa macra ‘Mulled Wine’ in a Pot
Growing it in a pot is a fantastic option if you’re short on space or want to enjoy Hakonechloa macra ‘Mulled Wine’ up close. This graceful grass does exceptionally well in containers, bringing year-round colour and texture to patios, balconies, and courtyards.
Choose a wide, sturdy pot with good drainage holes, as this variety forms a spreading, arching clump over time. Fill the container with John Innes No. 2 compost, which offers the right balance of nutrients and weight to keep the plant stable. For an added boost, mix in some slow-release fertiliser at planting time — this will feed your grass gradually throughout the growing season without overwhelming it.
Position the pot in partial shade or dappled sunlight. While ‘Mulled Wine’ tolerates some sun, it shows its best colour and growth when sheltered from harsh afternoon rays. Keep the compost consistently moist, especially during hot spells, but don’t let the pot sit in water.
With the proper care, your container-grown Hakonechloa will reward you with a beautiful, cascading display of colour that evolves through the seasons — perfect for softening hard edges and bringing a natural touch to any paved area.
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 is 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. This is 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.
From Darren’s Patch
I adore Hakonechloa and have several varieties around my garden, but ‘Mulled Wine’ holds a special place. I grow mine in a large terracotta pot near the patio, where I can enjoy its evolving colours through the seasons. There’s something magical about watching those rich burgundy tones deepen as summer rolls on, then shift to bronze in autumn. It’s such a low-fuss plant, yet it adds elegance and texture. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting, this variety is advantageous. I always recommend it to friends looking to bring a bit of movement and colour into a shady spot — it never disappoints.
Conclusion
Hakonechloa macra ‘Mulled Wine’ is a beautiful and adaptable ornamental grass that offers dynamic visual interest throughout the year. Its vibrant foliage and graceful form enhance 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 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 is 30-45cm (12-18 inches) in height and has a similar spread. Its 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 specialist nurseries 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 below -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: This grass needs minimal care beyond annual cutting back in late winter. To maintain its neat appearance, remove any dead leaves during the growing season.
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 garden areas.
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.