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 and wildflower meadow. It is native to Europe Asia Africa.
About
Deschampsia cespitosa is a perennial grass that develops a tidy clump of slender, tough, dark green foliage reaching up to 60 cm in length. In summer, it produces airy panicles of silvery-purple flowers that gracefully arch above the leaves.
About the genus
Deschampsia comprises tufted grasses that can be either deciduous or evergreen. They feature narrow, linear or thread-like foliage and produce open flowering panicles during the summer months.
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
- Native to
- Europe Asia Africa
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Deschampsia cespitosa
- Cultivation
- Grows well in well-drained to moist but well-drained, humus-rich soils in full sun or partial shade. Prefers acid conditions
- Pruning
- Cut back old stems to the ground in early spring before growth resumes
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed sown in situ in spring or autumn or by division in early summer
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to a rust
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Deschampsia cespitosa?
Grows well in well-drained to moist but well-drained, humus-rich soils in full sun or partial shade. Prefers acid conditions.
Where is the best place to plant Deschampsia cespitosa?
Deschampsia cespitosa prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Deschampsia cespitosa need?
Deschampsia cespitosa is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including clay, loam and sand. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
How do I prune Deschampsia cespitosa?
Cut back old stems to the ground in early spring before growth resumes.
How big does Deschampsia cespitosa grow?
Deschampsia cespitosa reaches a height of 1-1.5 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Deschampsia cespitosa hardy in the UK?
Deschampsia cespitosa has a UK hardiness rating of H6.
How do I propagate Deschampsia cespitosa?
Propagate by seed sown in situ in spring or autumn or by division in early summer.