Deschampsia | Heijnen Plants

120cm

Deschampsia cespitosa Tufted hair grass

5-10cm

Added to shopping cart

3^60From

100cm

Deschampsia cespitosa 'Goldschleier' Tufted hair grass

5-10cm

Added to shopping cart

3^60From

100cm

Deschampsia cespitosa 'Goldtau' Tufted hair grass

5-10cm

Added to shopping cart

3^70From

Buy Deschampsia

The genus Deschampsia, commonly known as hairgrass, encompasses a variety of ornamental grasses that are celebrated for their delicate, airy inflorescences and adaptable nature. A favorite amongst gardeners for border and group plantings, these grasses are an excellent choice for adding texture and movement to the landscape. Their subtle beauty is matched by their resilience, as they are capable of thriving across a broad range of environments, from the varied climates of Europe to the diverse terrains of Asia and Africa.

Key Features of Deschampsia

Deschampsia species are renowned for their clump-forming growth habit, creating lush tufts of foliage that provide a stark contrast to more rigid garden plants. Here are some key features:

Deschampsia displays a satisfying change in foliage color as the seasons progress, from vibrant green in the spring and summer to captivating hues of brown and gold in the autumn and winter months.
Throughout the flowering months of June to September, Deschampsia graces gardens with its plumes, which exhibit a spectrum of colors, including gold, yellow, grey, silver, purple, and brown.
This genus is laudable for its adaptability to all soil types, provided they are well-drained.
Deschampsia's average water needs make it a manageable addition to any garden.
While not evergreen, Deschampsia maintains its aesthetic appeal even in the colder months with its changing foliage and persistent inflorescences.

Tips for Growing Deschampsia

When planting Deschampsia, choose a location that receives full sun to partial shade to optimize growth and flowering potential.
Regular watering is essential to maintain the health and vigor of Deschampsia, especially during dry periods, as it is not drought-resistant.
Propagation of Deschampsia can be easily achieved through the sowing of seeds or by division, which not only propagates the plant but also revitalizes it. The best times for division are in the spring or autumn.
Deschampsia can be left untrimmed to enjoy its natural growth form, or it can be cut back in late winter to early spring to encourage fresh, new growth for the coming season.

Types

Embrace the ethereal beauty of hairgrass, a perennial that graces the landscape with its delicate, misty plumes. These ornamental grasses add a touch of elegance and movement to gardens, swaying gently in the breeze, capturing the light in their golden inflorescences. With varieties that shimmer in the sun, hairgrass is a stunning choice for softening garden edges and creating a natural, whimsical ambiance.

The Deschampsia cespitosa 'Goldschleier', commonly known as tufted hair grass, is a graceful perennial that adds a touch of elegance to any garden. Celebrated for its delicate, airy panicles that display captivating shades of yellow and green, this ornamental grass blooms profusely from June through August. It sways gently in the breeze, creating a dynamic and textured landscape feature. The 'Goldschleier' variety is particularly noted for its vibrant golden inflorescences, which catch the light and add a soft, luminescent quality to its surroundings.
The Deschampsia cespitosa 'Goldtau', commonly referred to as tufted hair grass, is a perennial that brings a whimsical charm to any garden setting. Its striking panicles bloom with a blend of yellow and green hues, enchanting onlookers from June to September. This ornamental grass is appreciated for its feathery, ethereal flowers that sway gracefully with the wind, adding movement and a fine texture to landscapes. The 'Goldtau' cultivar, with its golden highlights, provides a subtle, shimmering effect that enhances the visual appeal of its natural surroundings.
The Deschampsia cespitosa, often referred to as tufted hair grass or hassock grass, is a perennial that thrives across Europe, Asia, and Africa. With its fine-textured foliage and airy panicles, this species adds a delicate and refined aesthetic to any landscape. Its flowering season peaks through the summer months of July to September, casting a warm yellow hue that sways rhythmically in the breeze. This grass is highly valued for its versatility and the subtle beauty it brings to gardens and natural spaces alike.

Ideal placement of a Deschampsia

Deschampsia thrives best in locations that offer full sun to partial shade, ensuring that its delicate blades and airy flower panicles can bask in ample light. While adaptable to various soil conditions, it is imperative that the chosen site provides well-drained soil to prevent waterlogging, which could be detrimental to the plant's health. Regular watering will satisfy its average water requirements, particularly during dry spells. Whether used as an accent in borders or as part of a group planting, this species' clump-forming growth habit creates a graceful, textured presence in the garden throughout the seasons.

Planting a Deschampsia

For optimal growth, Deschampsia should be planted in well-drained soil, which can accommodate its versatile nature. It thrives in a range of sunlight exposures, from full sun to partial shade. When planting this grass, ensure that the pot's contents are placed at the same depth in the ground as they were in the container. To encourage a robust root system, water the grass regularly until it is established. While not drought-resistant, once established, Deschampsia will have average water needs. Seasonal division is recommended to maintain plant vigor and health.

Fertilising a Deschampsia

For Deschampsia to maintain its lush green foliage and support its distinctive flowering, a balanced approach to fertilization is recommended. It is advisable to apply a granular, slow-release fertilizer in early spring, which will provide a steady supply of nutrients throughout the growing season. This will cater to the plant's needs without causing excessive growth, which can sometimes lead to weak or floppy stands.

During the active growth period, particularly before the onset of the flowering months, an additional dose of fertilizer can encourage vigorous health and enhance the displays of yellow and green inflorescences. It's important to ensure that fertilization is not overdone, as this can lead to an abundance of foliage at the expense of the plant's characteristic airy flowers. Always water the plant thoroughly after applying fertilizer to help distribute the nutrients to the roots.

Pruning a Deschampsia

Pruning Deschampsia is a simple process that enhances its natural beauty and vitality. To encourage new growth, cut back the foliage in early spring before new shoots emerge. This clump-forming grass benefits from a trim down to about a third of its size, which tidies the plant and removes any dead material accumulated over the winter. This practice ensures that the tufts remain lush and that the stunning plumes can develop unhindered during the flowering season.

Watering a Deschampsia

Deschampsia thrives with consistent moisture, particularly during the growing season. It is important to ensure the soil is well-drained to avoid waterlogging while maintaining an even level of soil moisture. During periods of prolonged dryness, supplemental watering may be necessary to keep the plant healthy and vibrant. Although not drought tolerant, Deschampsia can withstand occasional brief dry spells. Regular watering will encourage robust growth and the development of the plant's characteristic feathery inflorescence, which adds a unique texture to garden borders and group plantings.

The characteristics of a Deschampsia

Deschampsia thrives with a light touch, often preferring the cooler times of the year for its most vigorous growth. This grass is praised for its adaptability to a range of light conditions, from full sun to partial shade. It's also worth noting that the plant's fine foliage and airy flower panicles add a subtle, textural contrast to garden compositions, making it a favorite among those seeking to create a naturalistic landscape design.

Separating/dividing a Deschampsia

To rejuvenate and maintain the health of Deschampsia, division is a recommended horticultural practice. This should occur ideally during the cooler months of spring or autumn. Carefully lift the plant from the earth, ensuring the root ball is intact. Once excavated, separate the clump into smaller sections, each with a sufficient number of roots and shoots. Replant these divisions promptly, spacing them appropriately to allow for air circulation and growth. This process not only stimulates robust new growth but also provides an opportunity to expand the garden's display of this graceful, tufted grass.

0203 455 22 48

Send an e-mail
[email protected]

Personal advice from
our specialists? We are happy to help you!