 Deschampsia caespitosa 'Northern Lights'
- common names: tufted hair grass
- height: 8 to 10 inches
- Light requirements: full sun or a half day of sun
- Soil requirements: average, well drained
- Water requirments: average
- Growth habit: grows as a clump; its roots are not invasive
- How to propagate: dividing in early summer or early fall
- Leaf type: multi colored, thin blades of grass
- Ways to use it such as in a pot: very nice planted singlely or in groups within a garden setting; also grows well in a pot for a patio or deck
- Special characteristics: the multi-colored leaves catch and hold any light and are colorful for much of the year; cats are especially fond of nibbling the leaves of this grass
A densely tufted, evergreen perennial known as tufted hair grass, fairy wand or tussock grass, this intriguing new variegated selection grows to about eight inches in height and width. It has narrow leaf blades that are banded lengthwise with green and gold, then are lightly flushed in showy pink toward the tips in early spring. In winter the evergreen leaves catch light and provide interest during the time when plants are dormant. A suitable choice for many situations in the garden, such as a rock garden, for an edging and in containers as textural accent. A good location for it in your garden is where it could receive backlighting from the late afternoon sun. The light coming through its leaves fairly glows. It nicely combines with other ornamental grasses. Provide full sun in coastal gardens, or partial shade otherwise. Hardy to 5°F. |
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