Deschampsia Northern Lights

Tufted Hair Grass, Tussock Grass

Note: This is an archive page preserved for informational use.
Cultural and Growing Info is provided below.

A multitude of shimmering colors on slender arching blades.

Like the Aurora Borealis, a multitude of shimmering colors are unveiled on this ornamental grass. Slender, slightly arching blades of green, cream, and gold tipped in pink mature to golden tones. The show continues in early summer with airy clouds of flowing panicles rising above the grassy tuft in gold, silver, purple and green hues. Stunning.

Deschampsia is beautiful planted in mass. The blooms produce a delicate airy mass of subtle colors. The common name Tufted Hair Grass perfectly describes the hair-like blades which grow in neatly rounded mounds.

Code DENL

Patent

Plant Type Perennials, Grasses

Species cespitosa

Height Short 16" (3' in flower)

Spacing Plant 24" apart

Bloom Time Mid-Summer to Early Fall

Sun / Shade Full Sun to Half Sun / Half Shade

Zones 5-9

Soil Type Acidic, Clay, Normal, Sandy

Water Needs Low

Sold In Plantable Pots (3.5x3.5x4")

Special Product

Proven Winners

These varieties have been proven in trials around the world to be vigorous and easy to grow. Best of all, Proven Winners are known to be absolutely covered with vibrant, long-blooming flowers.

Special Features

  • Deer Resistant
  • Winter Interest
  • OK in Containers
  • Wet Site Tolerant

Deschampsia General Information

Deschampsia cespitosa is a clump-forming, cool season grass that grows well in part shade and prefers moist soils. Cool season grasses tend to have most growth in spring before temperatures begin exceeding 75 degrees and again in the fall when temperatures cool down. Maintains nice color throughout the summer. Ornamental Grasses and Sedges are restricted from Idaho and Oregon. Idaho has restricted all potted plant material from being shipped into Idaho at this time.

Deschampsia Plant Care

Leave foliage in place until spring. When snow is gone, cut back before new shoots appear. Leave about 1/3 of the plant in place. May be transplanted in spring or fall, but early spring is the best time to divide.

Plantable Pots

Our plants are grown in 3.5x3.5x4” plantable pots. Made from 100% biodegradable coconut husk fibers (coir), these pots have tremendous advantages over plastic pots. With better air exchange, this "breathable" pot fosters robust root growth and reduces transplant shock since you can plant the pots directly in the ground. The pot naturally becomes part of the soil on its own over time—no composting required—and since they're made from a renewable resource that requires very little energy, they're earth-friendly too!

100% Guarantee

We offer a 100% guarantee for all our perennials to reach you in good condition and to grow. If you're not satisfied, we'll reship or refund immediately. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have questions or concerns—we share your passion for gardening and want your new plants to thrive in your border!

Shipping Details

We use custom, earth-friendly packaging to make sure your order arrives in great condition, and we ship based on the best planting time for your growing zone (see the approximate dates below), unless otherwise indicated at checkout. If you wish, you can indicate a specific ship date during checkout.

Spring

  • Zone 3, 4: Early to Mid May
  • Zone 5: Late April to Early May
  • Zone 6: Mid to Late April
  • Zone 7: Early to Mid April
  • Zone 8: Late March to Early April
  • Zone 9, 10: Late March

Fall

  • Zone 2, 3, 4: Early September
  • Zone 5: Early to Mid September
  • Zone 6: Mid September
  • Zone 7: Mid to Late September
  • Zone 8, 9, 10: Late September to Early October

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