About

A dense and compact, tussock-forming, semi-evergreen grass to 90cm tall in flower, with rough, rigid, linear leaves. The flower spikes can be cut for fresh and dried floral arrangements. From early to late summer it produces airy, arching panicles of purple flower spikelets that age to brown.

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
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6

Plant details

Plant typeGrass Like
HabitClump forming
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Prairie planting

Care notes

CultivationGrow in dry to damp, neutral to acid soil in sun or partial shade
PruningTrim out old flower heads in early spring
PropagationPropagate by seed or division
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free