Deschampsia

Tufted Hairgrass – Best Deschampsia Plants In New Zealand!

Adding ornamental grass plants to your garden such as the Deschampsia Tufted Hairgrass, delivers a vast range of benefits:

• They provide a habitat and shelter for native fauna.
• Greater biodiversity is created.
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature.
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come.

We have the largest variety of ornamental grass plants, including the ever popular Deschampsia Cespitosa (commonly known as Wavy Hairgrass or Tufted Hairgrass). We have the right plant for your space which have been selected to thrive in NZ’s climate. We grow and stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them locally, and from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Deschampsia, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Deschampsia Cespitosa Questions

1. What is a substitute for Deschampsia cespitosa?

If you are looking for a substitute for Deschampsia cespitosa in New Zealand, there are a number of native grasses that you may consider, including:

• Festuca novae-zelandiae (New Zealand fescue)
• Poa cita (blue tussock)
• Carex secta (cut sedge)
• Carex geminata (twin sedge)
• Carex flagellifera (sand sedge)
• Chionochloa flavicans (dwarf toetoe)
• Juncus pallidus (pale rush)
• Juncus effusus (soft rush)
• Juncus articulatus (jointed rush)

These grasses are all native to New Zealand and are well-adapted to the country's climate and growing conditions. They are also relatively easy to care for and require little maintenance.

2. How do you grow Deschampsia?

To grow Deschampsia cespitosa follow these steps:

1. Choose a location that receives full sun to partial shade and has well-drained soil.
2. Add compost to the soil to improve fertility.
3. Plant them to the soil level and firm in gently.
4. Scatter fertiliser across the top of the soil and water the plants well.
5. Water plants regularly during hot, dry weather.
6. Mulch around Deschampsia cespitosa plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

3. What is the common name for Deschampsia?

Deschampsia is a genus of grasses that is commonly known as tufted hairgrass or tussock grass. The name "tufted hairgrass" refers to the fact that the leaves of Deschampsia grasses are clustered together in clumps, and the name "tussock grass" refers to the fact that these grasses often form large mounds.

Some common species of Deschampsia include:

• Deschampsia cespitosa (tufted hairgrass or tussock grass)
• Deschampsia flexuosa (wavy hairgrass)
• Deschampsia antarctica (antarctic hairgrass)
• Deschampsia danthonioides (annual hairgrass)
• Deschampsia elongata (slender hairgrass)

Deschampsia grasses are found all over the world, but they are most common in temperate and boreal regions. They are often found in moist meadows, grasslands, and woodlands.

4. Is Deschampsia Cespitosa an evergreen?

Deschampsia cespitosa is generally considered to be semi-evergreen. This means it retains most of its leaves year-round, but some older leaves may brown and die off during winter, especially in colder climates. However, the new shoots emerge early in spring, quickly replacing the lost foliage and maintaining a lush appearance.

5. Do you cut back Deschampsia?

Cutting back Deschampsia cespitosa is optional. Its graceful clumps and winter foliage provide year-round interest, particularly in colder climates where the golden hues add beauty. However, there are situations when cutting back the plants can be beneficial:

• Promote new growth: Cutting back encourages the grass to produce fresh, vibrant foliage, enhancing its green colour and texture.
• Control size: If the clumps are getting too large and spreading excessively, cutting back can help maintain a desired size and shape.
• Improve appearance: Removing dead or discoloured leaves can make the grass look tidier and healthier.
• Encourage flowering: Cutting back in early spring can promote more robust flower production later in the summer.