Deschampsia
Tussock grass, Hair grass
- Height × spread
- 0.4m – 0.6m × 0.2m – 0.5m
- Position
- Full sun
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
A grass that is ornamental when in flower and which has some shade tolerance - a useful combination. There are a number of forms that are garden worthy. These make grassy tussocks, generally coloured dark green. There are now some attractive variegated forms available, for example 'Northern Lights' and 'Tatra Gold'. These grasses come into flower during summer. They develop a frothy inflorescence that is long lasting. The colour of this is variable and forms have been bred with bronze, gold and yellow tones. The two forms commonly available are the robust Deschampsia cespitosa, and the slighter, equally delightful Deschampsia flexuosa.
- Flower colour
- Yellow
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Fruit colour
- Beige, Purple, Silver, Yellow
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Fan
- Height
- 0.4m – 0.6m
- Spread
- 0.2m – 0.5m
- Season of interest
- Summer, Autumn, Winter
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Winter garden, Wild flower meadow, Seaside garden, Prairie garden, Cottage garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, likes part shade, tolerates light shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- Acid (ericaceous), Neutral
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Damp and wet soil, Well drained soil, Dry soil, Drought resistant
- Winter hardiness
- Varies, most are hardy
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Ground cover, Bird attraction
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with sequestrol
If plants are acid loving and grown in soil with little acidity, or in a container, or are watered with limey tap water an annual feed with sequestrol (iron chelate) is highly beneficial. Follow guidelines on the packet. Will also 'blue-up' hydrangeas.
For hydrangeas that have good blue flowers in acid soil, this product can be used with alkaline soil to turn the flowers blue. This is most effective when the soil is neutral or just slightkly alkaline.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water in dry periods
Established plants in the ground can cope with 7-10 days of dryness, and shrubs often manage 2 to 3 weeks. Water one section of the garden thoroughly each day rather than a little everywhere. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather.
Spring - mid · Planting
Prune to the ground
Plants that have been left all winter for the architectural effect of their foliage can be cut to the ground in spring, being careful not to damage the young growth that will just be emerging.
Summer
Summer - early · Outdoors
Feed a general fertiliser
Where plants have moderate needs for nutrients, they can simply be given a general feed, fairly early in the growth season so that the growth has plenty of time to harden off before the cold weather.
Give plants a general boost with the application of a general purpose fertiliser which is spread around the root area of the plant, with amounts as directed on the feed label.
Planting & general
Outdoors
Water some varieties differently
Some plants within this genus have additional requirements for water. It is best to look up your specific plant, or the species it belongs to for watering guidance.
Found in
More Deschampsia
Deschampsia cespitosa
Tussock grass, Hair grass, Tufted hair grass
Deschampsia cespitosa
Tussock grass, Hair grass, Tufted hair grass
Deschampsia cespitosa 'Bronzeschleier'
Tussock grass, Hair grass, Tufted hair grass
Deschampsia cespitosa 'Goldschleier'
Tussock grass, Hair grass, Tufted hair grass
Deschampsia cespitosa 'Goldtau'
Tussock grass, Hair grass, Tufted hair grass
Deschampsia flexuosa
Wavy hair grass, Crinkled hair grass, Common hair grass
Deschampsia flexuosa 'Tatra Gold'
Wavy hair grass, Crinkled hair grass, Common hair grass
Deschampsia flexuosa 'AmiLime®'
Wavy hair grass, Crinkled hair grass, Common hair grass