Overview

Deschampsia cespitosa is a bushy herbaceous perennial in the genus Deschampsia, part of the Poaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 1-1.5 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Deschampsia cespitosa grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. It is low maintenance. Suggested uses include prairie planting, city and courtyard gardens, coastal, cottage and informal garden, wildflower meadow, low maintenance and flower borders and beds. It is native to Afghanistan, Alaska, Albania, Alberta, Aleutian Is., Altay, Amur, Antipodean Is., Arizona, Austria, Baltic States and Belarus.

About

Deschampsia cespitosa is a herbaceous perennial grass that forms dense tussocks to about 1–1.5 metres high. The foliage remains evergreen and narrow flower panicles appear from June to August. It reaches its mature size over 2–5 years and typically spreads 0.5–1 metre. The plant suits full sun or partial shade and grows in a wide range of soils from sand to clay.

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 cespitosa is a perennial grass in the family Poaceae that grows as a dense, tussock-forming clump to roughly 1–1.5 metres. The evergreen leaves carry flower stems bearing narrow panicles in the UK between June and August. Allow 2–5 years for the clump to reach its full height and 0.5–1 metre spread. Give it full sun or partial shade and a soil that is well drained or just moist; it will tolerate sand, loam or clay and performs on neutral to acid soils. It is listed as suitable for both exposed and sheltered positions, and will take aspects from south- to north-facing. Plant at spacings that reflect its 0.5–1 metre spread so each tussock can develop without crowding. Its evergreen tussock habit and metre-plus height provide upright structure at the rear of a border or in groups where movement and seedheads are wanted through summer and autumn. Maintenance is straightforward once established, and the narrow flowering stems rise clearly above the foliage during the June to August flowering season. Expect a long-lived clump that fills out steadily over several seasons.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Deschampsia

Sunlight

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil type

Clay, Loam, Sand

Soil pH

Acid, Neutral

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained, Well-drained

Aspect

South-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness

H6

Plant details

Deschampsia cespitosa size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Herbaceous Perennial

Habit

Bushy

Foliage

Evergreen

Height

1-1.5 metres

Spread

0.5-1 metres

Time to full height

2-5 years

Suggested uses

Prairie planting, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Wildflower meadow, Low Maintenance, Flower borders and beds

Native to

Afghanistan, Alaska, Albania, Alberta, Aleutian Is., Altay, Amur, Antipodean Is., Arizona, Austria, Baltic States, Belarus

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Deschampsia cespitosa

Cultivation

Prefers moist, well-drained soils; tolerates a range of soil types; benefits from occasional division to maintain vigor

Pruning

Cut back to ground level in late winter or early spring before new growth begins

Propagation

Seed sown in situ in spring or autumn, Division in early summer

Pest resistance

Generally pest-free

Disease resistance

Rust

Frequently asked questions