Overview
Deschampsia flexuosa is a tufted grass like in the genus Deschampsia, part of the Poaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Deschampsia flexuosa grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and neutral and acid pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. It is low maintenance. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, coastal, cottage and informal garden, gravel garden, patio and container plants, prairie planting and wildlife gardens. It is native to Temp. N. Hemisphere.
About
Tufted evergreen grass reaching approximately 60 cm in height, featuring slender, smooth leaves that can grow up to 20 cm long and exhibit a blue-green hue. In early to midsummer, it produces flower panicles with silver-tinged spikelets in shades of purple or brown, borne on undulating stems.
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
- Neutral, Acid
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Deschampsia flexuosa size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Grass Like
- Habit
- Tufted
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Prairie planting, Wildlife gardens
- Native to
- Temp. N. Hemisphere
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Deschampsia flexuosa
- Cultivation
- Grow in any moist or well-drained neutral to acid garden soil in sun or part shade, incorporating plenty of well-rotted garden compost before planting to help retain moisture in dry soils. See Ornamental grasses cultivation
- Pruning
- Remove flower heads before growth begins in early spring
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed in situ in spring or autumn, or by division in mid spring or early summer
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Deschampsia flexuosa?
Grow in any moist or well-drained neutral to acid garden soil in sun or part shade, incorporating plenty of well-rotted garden compost before planting to help retain moisture in dry soils. See Ornamental grasses cultivation.
Where is the best place to plant Deschampsia flexuosa?
Deschampsia flexuosa prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Deschampsia flexuosa need?
Deschampsia flexuosa is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including clay, loam and sand. It prefers neutral and acid soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Deschampsia flexuosa?
Remove flower heads before growth begins in early spring.
How big does Deschampsia flexuosa grow?
Deschampsia flexuosa reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Deschampsia flexuosa hardy in the UK?
Deschampsia flexuosa has a UK hardiness rating of H6.
How do I propagate Deschampsia flexuosa?
Propagate by seed in situ in spring or autumn, or by division in mid spring or early summer.