Overview
Deschampsia caespitosa is a perennial grass in the genus Deschampsia, part of the Q43238 family. It typically grows around 1.0 m tall. Deschampsia caespitosa grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include ornamental grass, erosion control and ground cover. It is native to North America, Central Africa, eastern Australia, New Zealand and Eurasia.
About
Deschampsia caespitosa is a perennial tufted grass forming upright clumps to about 1.0 m. It suits full sun and tolerates moist to wet soils. Flowering occurs from June to August. It is used as an ornamental grass and for erosion control or ground cover.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Deschampsia cespitosa
About the genus
Deschampsia is a genus of plants in the grass family Poaceae, commonly known as hair grass or tussock grass. The genus is widespread across many countries.
Wikipedia contributors, "Deschampsia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Deschampsia
In the garden
Deschampsia caespitosa is a perennial grass native across North America, Eurasia, New Zealand, eastern Australia and Central Africa. As a clump-forming species it typically reaches around 1.0 m and is valued where a lasting grassy element is needed in a scheme rather than seasonal bedding. Plant into a sunny site with sandy, loamy or clay soils; it tolerates moist to wet ground but occupies areas that remain at least seasonally damp. It is fully hardy in the UK (H7) and also corresponds to USDA zones 5–9, so it will withstand the coldest British winters in exposed gardens. Give it a position where drainage is steady rather than waterlogged for long periods, and allow room for an upright tussock to develop. Use Tufted Hairgrass as an architectural clump in perennial borders, in meadow or prairie-style mixes, on damp banks for erosion control, or where a low-maintenance ground-holding grass is required. Flowering takes place from June to August, offering a late-spring into summer presence that blends well with herbaceous perennials. Expect upright clumps to reach about 1.0 m and to flower from June to August.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Deschampsia
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Wet
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Deschampsia caespitosa size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial grass
- Height
- 1.0 m
- Suggested uses
- Ornamental grass, Erosion control, Ground cover
- Native to
- North America, Central Africa, eastern Australia, New Zealand, Eurasia
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Deschampsia caespitosa
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, well-drained soils; tolerates a range of soil types; best grown in full sun to partial shade
- Pruning
- Cut back to ground level in late winter or early spring to encourage fresh growth
- Propagation
- By seed or division in spring or autumn
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Deschampsia caespitosa?
Prefers moist, well-drained soils; tolerates a range of soil types; best grown in full sun to partial shade.
Where is the best place to plant Deschampsia caespitosa?
Deschampsia caespitosa prefers full sun.
What soil does Deschampsia caespitosa need?
Deschampsia caespitosa is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to wet.
How do I prune Deschampsia caespitosa?
Cut back to ground level in late winter or early spring to encourage fresh growth.
How big does Deschampsia caespitosa grow?
Deschampsia caespitosa reaches a height of 1.0 m.
Is Deschampsia caespitosa hardy in the UK?
Deschampsia caespitosa has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Deschampsia caespitosa?
By seed or division in spring or autumn.
More in the Deschampsia genus
- Deschampsia caespitosa 'Vivipara'Tufted Hairgrass
- Deschampsia cespitosa 'Goldtau'tufted hair grass 'Goldtau'
- Deschampsia cespitosa 'Yunnan'