Overview
Deschampsia caespitosa 'Vivipara' is a perennial grass in the genus Deschampsia, part of the Q43238 family. It typically grows around 1.0 m tall. Deschampsia caespitosa 'Vivipara' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7.
About
Deschampsia caespitosa 'Vivipara' is a perennial grass growing to about 1.0 m. It produces summer flowerheads from June to August. The cultivar performs in full sun and tolerates sandy, loamy and clay soils, preferring moist to wet conditions. It is fully hardy (H7) in the UK.
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 'Vivipara' is a perennial grass in the genus Deschampsia, offered here as the named cultivar 'Vivipara'. It reaches roughly 1.0 m and produces its flowering panicles through June to August, providing a summer vertical element in planting schemes. Give it a sunny site in soil that can range from sandy to clay, provided it remains moist to wet or at least moist but well drained. It tolerates a wide textural range of soils, so avoid very dry, drought-prone locations. In UK terms it is H7 — fully hardy — and corresponds roughly with USDA zones 5–9, so it withstands severe winter cold in exposed gardens. Use Deschampsia caespitosa 'Vivipara' where moisture is available: damp borders, rain-garden areas and mixed perennial planting where upright, metre-high grasses help structure the scheme. Plant in groups or drifts for impact, spacing to allow airflow through the clump. Expect reliable mid-summer flower display from June to August that adds height and movement to wetter parts of the garden.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Deschampsia
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Wet
- Exposure
- Full sun
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Deschampsia caespitosa 'Vivipara' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial grass
- Height
- 1.0 m
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Deschampsia caespitosa 'Vivipara'
- Propagation
- By division, seed
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Deschampsia caespitosa 'Vivipara'?
Deschampsia caespitosa 'Vivipara' prefers full sun. It suits full sun positions.
What soil does Deschampsia caespitosa 'Vivipara' need?
Deschampsia caespitosa 'Vivipara' 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 big does Deschampsia caespitosa 'Vivipara' grow?
Deschampsia caespitosa 'Vivipara' reaches a height of 1.0 m.
Is Deschampsia caespitosa 'Vivipara' hardy in the UK?
Deschampsia caespitosa 'Vivipara' 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 'Vivipara'?
By division, seed.
More in the Deschampsia genus
- Deschampsia caespitosaTufted Hairgrass
- Deschampsia cespitosa 'Goldtau'tufted hair grass 'Goldtau'
- Deschampsia cespitosa 'Yunnan'