About

A compact, evergreen, mound-forming grass with narrow, arching mid-green foliage which changes to golden brown as it matures. Long-lasting silvery brown and green flower plumes to around 75cm in height turn to a warm golden colour as they mature, providing a shimmering effect.

About the genus

Deschampsia can be deciduous or evergreen, tufted grasses with linear or thread-like leaves and open flowering panicles in summer

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5

Plant details

Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Prairie planting

Care notes

CultivationGrows well in well-drained to moist but well-drained, humus-rich soils in full sun or partial shade. Prefers acid conditions
PruningCut back old stems to the ground in early spring before growth resumes
PropagationPropagate by division in early summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to a rust