The Perennial Plant Association (PPA) is a professional horticulture trade organization dedicated to improving the perennial plant industry by providing education to enhance the production, promotion and utilization of perennial plants.  Each year PPA selects and promotes the Perennial Plant of the Year.  Selection of plants is simple; PPA members nominate plants for consideration and then vote for the best plant, usually out of three or four plants on the ballot.  Plants are nominated based on several criteria, such as suitability to a wide range of climatic conditions, multiple seasons of ornamental interest, low maintenance, pest resistance, availability, and ease of propagation. 

For 2009, the Perennial Plant of the Year is an unusual grass called Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’, (pronounced ha-ko-ne-KLOH-ah MAK-ra aw-ree-OH-la) but don’t let the name intimidate you.  It’s a fine textured, golden-colored ornamental grass with many uses in Nebraska landscapes.  More commonly known as Golden Japanese Forest Grass and native to Honshu Island in Japan, the grass has delicate bamboo-like foliage consisting of ½” wide golden leaves with very thin green stripes and wiry stems that cascade down forming 12-18 inch tall mounding plants.  In fall, leaf color changes to include shades of pink and red.

Plants spread slowly by underground rhizomes to form clumps, but this grass is never invasive.  It produces tiny, inconspicuous flower spikes from late summer through mid-autumn.  Although not showy, the delicate, open seed heads add a sense of lightness and airiness.  The foliage and flowers provide great movement with air currents, creating a cascading or undulating effect in the garden.

Provide a location with partial shade, since plants tend to burn if place in too much sun and will lose they yellow color if place in too much shade.  Moist soil, amended with organic matter provides a good growing environment.  

Japanese Forest Grass is an elegant plant for partially shaded sites, and will liven up dark garden corners with its bright golden foliage.  Plant it as a specimen or use in groupings for high impact.  It works well with other shade tolerant plants, such as fern, Hosta, and Brunnera.    The cascading foliage also looks very attractive in containers.

Plant of the Year selections often have such good characteristics that they become garden center staples.  In past years, the program has promoted such great plants as ‘David’ phlox, ‘May Night’ salvia, Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) and ‘Karl Forester’ feather reed grass.  This is definitely a good program to watch. 

For more information, and pictures of Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’ visit The Perennial Plant Association.