Overview

Deschampsia cespitosa 'Goldtau' is a bushy herbaceous perennial in the genus Deschampsia, part of the Poaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Deschampsia cespitosa 'Goldtau' 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 Europe and temperate regions.

About

Deschampsia cespitosa 'Goldtau' is a cultivar of tufted hair grass, an evergreen herbaceous perennial in the Poaceae family. It forms a bushy clump, growing between 0.5 and 1 metre in height and spread, reaching full size within 2 to 5 years. This grass thrives in full sun or partial shade and adapts well to various soil types including clay, loam, and sand, preferring moist but well-drained or well-drained conditions. It is low maintenance and provides interest during both summer and winter seasons.

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 4.0Deschampsia

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 'Goldtau' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
Herbaceous Perennial
Habit
Bushy
Foliage
Evergreen
Height
0.5-1 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
Europe, temperate regions

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Deschampsia cespitosa 'Goldtau'

Cultivation
Prefers moist, well-drained soil; tolerates a range of soil types; benefits from division every few years 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

How do I grow Deschampsia cespitosa 'Goldtau'?

Prefers moist, well-drained soil; tolerates a range of soil types; benefits from division every few years to maintain vigor.

Where is the best place to plant Deschampsia cespitosa 'Goldtau'?

Deschampsia cespitosa 'Goldtau' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Deschampsia cespitosa 'Goldtau' need?

Deschampsia cespitosa 'Goldtau' 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 'Goldtau'?

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

How big does Deschampsia cespitosa 'Goldtau' grow?

Deschampsia cespitosa 'Goldtau' reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.

Is Deschampsia cespitosa 'Goldtau' hardy in the UK?

Deschampsia cespitosa 'Goldtau' has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.

How do I propagate Deschampsia cespitosa 'Goldtau'?

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

More in the Deschampsia genus

Browse all Deschampsia

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