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Deschampsia cespitosa 'Northern Lights' (Tufted hair grass, Tussock grass)

Deschampsia cespitosa 'Northern Lights' Photo/Illustration: Colleen Fitzpatrick

(Based on 2 user reviews)

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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Deschampsia cespitosa 'Northern Lights' des-KAMP-see-ah sess-pih-TOE-sah Common Name: Tufted hair grass, Tussock grass Genus: Deschampsia
A tuft of thin grassy foliage with gray and gold variegation distinguishes this cultivar. Early summer brings 3-foot-tall, airy plumes of tiny flowers that look beautiful when backlit by the sun. As fall approaches, the foliage turns golden with pink-coral tips. This grass even grows well in shadier sites. Plant in a border, woodland garden, or shaded rock garden.
 Noteworthy characteristics: Noteworthy for its foliage and form. Grows well in shade.
 Care: Prefers moist soil and shade from afternoon sun.
 Propagation: Divide in late spring.
 Problems: Rust is possible in wet seasons.
Height 1 ft. to 3 ft.
Spread 6 in. to 12 in.
Growth Habit Clumps
Growth Pace Moderate Grower
Light Full Sun to Part Shade
Moisture Medium to Wet
Maintenance Low
Tolerance Frost Tolerant
Characteristics Showy Flowers; Showy Foliage; Showy Seed Heads
Bloom Time Early Summer; Summer
Foliage Color Evergreen
Flower Color Brown Flower; Orange/ Salmon Flower; Pink Flower; Purple/ Lavender Flower
Uses , Beds and Borders, Container, Ground Covers, Cut Flower, Dried Flower, Naturalizing
Style , Rock Garden, Woodland Garden
Seasonal Interest , Spring Interest, Summer Interest, Fall Interest
Type ,Grasses

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