Also known as Hair Grass · 333 saves
Deschampsia
Deschampsia, the genus most gardeners know as hair grass. We track 3 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 3 most-saved Deschampsia varieties
2 species of Deschampsia
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Deschampsia in Sow
Save the Deschampsia you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Deschampsia
Whats common across all Deschampsia varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 3 most-grown of them.
The Deschampsia year
- DivideFebruary and March100% of varieties
Divide large clumps every 3-5 years to maintain vigor
- MulchMarch67% of varieties
Apply a light layer of mulch to conserve moisture
- PlantMarch and September67% of varieties
Plant or transplant in early spring or early fall
- Spring CleanupFebruary67% of varieties
Cut old foliage back to 3 inches before new growth starts
Do
- Prune dead or damaged foliage in late winter
- Mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature
- Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
- Fertilize annually with a balanced fertilizer
- Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged 🌱
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t cut back in late fall—wait until early spring
- Never plant in poorly drained soil
- Avoid excessive fertilizing which can cause floppy growth
What goes wrong with Deschampsia
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Rust | Orange pustules on leaves | Apply copper-based fungicide and improve air circulation |
| Fungal leaf spot | Dark, irregular spots on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply organic fungicide |
Making more Deschampsia
Division
- Divide clumps in early spring or fall, taking 3-4 shoots each, and replant immediately.
Seed
- Sow seeds on surface in spring, lightly press into soil, and keep moist for germination, approximately 2-3 weeks.
Deschampsia questions
How many types of Deschampsia are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 3 distinct Deschampsia varieties. The most popular — ranked by 333 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Deschampsia grow in?
Across its varieties, Deschampsia covers USDA Zones 4–9. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Deschampsia bloom?
Most Deschampsia varieties bloom in late summer, summer, late spring to early summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Deschampsia should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.