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 cottage and informal garden, prairie planting, wildflower meadow and flower borders and beds. It is native to Flanders and Portugal Continental.
About
Deschampsia flexuosa, commonly known as wavy hair grass, is a tufted grass cultivar within the Deschampsia genus, part of the Poaceae family. This evergreen grass grows to a height of 0.5 to 1 metre with a spread of 0.1 to 0.5 metres, reaching full height over 2 to 5 years. It thrives in full sun or partial shade, tolerating a range of soil types including clay, loam, and sand, with neutral to acidic pH, and prefers moist but well-drained conditions. Native to regions including Flanders and Portugal Continental, it offers seasonal interest in both summer and winter and is low maintenance.
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 4.0 — Deschampsia
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
- Cottage and informal garden, Prairie planting, Wildflower meadow, Flower borders and beds
- Native to
- Flanders, Portugal Continental
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Deschampsia flexuosa
- Propagation
- Seed sown in situ in spring or autumn, Division in early summer
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Rust
Frequently asked questions
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 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 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 flexuosa?
Seed sown in situ in spring or autumn, Division in early summer.
More in the Deschampsia genus
Browse all Deschampsia →
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