Hakonechloa likes a rich, moist soil so incorporate lots of well-rotted garden compost into the planting hole and surrounding area. Plants will not do well in very heavy or excessively dry soil. Leaf colour is usually deeper and longer-lasting in partial shade than full sun. Leave flower heads to dry out through the winter, adding valuable texture to plantings. Apply a light mulch (3cm) of well-rotted garden compost after cutting back old foliage and before new growth emerges in spring. The plant can be late to emerge in spring if soil temperatures are low, and slow to clump so we suggest planting in small groups.