Tufted Hair Grass Growing Guide

Deschampsia cespitosa

Crop Rotation Group

Miscellaneous ●

Soil

Fertile soil that holds moisture well.

Position

Part shade.

Frost tolerant

Established plants of tufted hair grass are winter hardy to -30°F (-34°C).

Feeding

None needed.

Spacing

Single Plants: 1' 11" (60cm) each way (minimum)
Rows: 1' 11" (60cm) with 1' 11" (60cm) row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Tufted hair grass makes most of its growth in cool weather, so set out purchased plants starting in early spring. Tufted hair grass also can be grown from seeds sown in fall, or in seedling flats outdoors from spring to early summer. Set plants out when they are large enough to handle during a period of wet weather. Young plants need water to become established, and grow best in moist sites. Should the center of a feature clump start dying out, dig the clump in spring and use a sharp knife or hatchet to cut the healthy parts into several chunks. Replant immediately.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

A beautiful, fine-textured cool-season grass native to colder sections of North America, Eurasia and South America, tufted hair grass grows into a compact clump, or tussock, topped with airy seed heads in late summer. One of the few ornamental grasses that grows in partial shade, tufted hair grass is native to the moist edges of wetlands or other damp places. In some areas tufted hair grass is listed as in need of protection, so growing this grass can be a significant act of environmental restoration. It is a host plant for several butterflies and moths, and wild birds eat the nutritious seeds. A few named cultivars are available, including variegated ‘Northern Lights’, which is sometimes used in containers. In early spring, mow or clip off old growth to make way for new leaves. Tufted hair grass is very long lived and requires no maintenance beyond annual mowing.

Harvesting

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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Pests which Affect Tufted Hair Grass

Aphids (General)

Slug

Snail