Wavy Hair Grass
deschampsia flexuosa
Also known as: ["Wavy Hair Grass","Woodland Hair Grass"]
Overview
A graceful, tufted perennial grass with fine, arching leaves and delicate, airy inflorescences.
Benefits & Perks
["low maintenance","deer resistant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Poales |
| Family: | Poaceae |
| Genus: | Deschampsia |
| Botanical Name: | Deschampsia flexuosa |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Grasses
- Suitable Location: woodland garden, rock garden, or border
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"−15–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam with organic matter. Tolerates poor soils but benefits from added compost.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: very low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring; remove dead blades as needed during the growing season.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate. Remove up to one-third of old growth if the plant becomes dense or untidy.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily). Tolerates light shade in hotter climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight to avoid scorching. In hot regions, provide afternoon shade. Indoors, place near a bright window with indirect light.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even growth; avoid direct midday sun in summer; adjust light exposure seasonally.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth; avoid overwatering, especially in winter; adjust frequency based on weather and soil moisture.
Soil
well-drained, acidic to neutral soil (pH 5.0–7.0)
pH: Acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0).
Avoid heavy clay soils; amend with organic matter; ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 4–9. Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (50–75°F or 10–24°C). Tolerates frost but may struggle in extreme heat.
Protect from extreme heat; mulch in winter; adjust watering with temperature changes.
Fertilizing
every 3 months with slow-release fertilizer during active growth
Fertilize sparingly; apply before active growth; avoid nitrogen-heavy formulas.
Propagation
Methods
Division or seed. Division is preferred for mature plants; seeds are viable but slower to establish.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Divide clumps into smaller sections with roots.
- Replant at the same depth.
- Water well. For seeds, sow shallowly, keep moist, and thin seedlings as they grow.
Best Time: Early spring or early fall when temperatures are mild and the plant is not in active flowering.
Environment
Warm (60–70°F or 15–21°C), high humidity (for seeds), partial shade.
Medium
Well-draining soil mix (e.g., peat and sand) for division; seed-starting mix for seeds.
Hormone
Not typically required for division; optional for seeds to encourage germination.
Timeline
Division: immediate establishment; seeds: germination in 2–4 weeks, maturity in 1–2 years.
Tools Needed
Sharp knife or spade, trowel, watering can, seed trays (if using seeds).
Quick Tips
Divide every 3–4 years to maintain vigor; use fresh seeds for best germination; protect seedlings from strong sun.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Hand-pull dead blades or use scissors to cut them at the base. For larger clumps, use shears to trim evenly.
Pruning Plan
Remove dead or damaged foliage to maintain appearance and encourage new growth. Cut back old growth in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges.
Tools
Hand pruners, scissors, or garden shears.
Checklist
Wear gloves; sterilize tools; remove dead growth; trim evenly; clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
One size up (e.g., from 4-inch to 6-inch pot).
Method
Gently remove the plant, trim any dead roots, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil, and water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Not typically required for outdoor plants. Container-grown plants may need repotting every 2–3 years if root-bound.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot; prepare fresh soil; trim roots if needed; water after repotting; place in appropriate light.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal issues. Ensure excess water drains away to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water moderately during active growth in spring and summer, reducing frequency in fall and winter to prevent root rot. Allow the top inch of soil to dry between waterings.
Soil Improvement
Add sand or perlite for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, browning leaf tips, stunted growth, or premature dormancy in extreme heat or cold.
Cold Stress
Leaves may turn brown or become brittle, but the plant typically survives mild frosts and winter dormancy.
Solution: Provide mulch to insulate roots in winter. Avoid excessive winter watering. Protect from harsh winds.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, turn yellow, or wilt. Growth may slow or stop during heatwaves.
Solution: Provide partial shade during peak heat. Water deeply but infrequently. Increase air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; avoid excess; water after fertilizing.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Avoid over-fertilizing, as Deschampsia prefers lean soil. Dilute liquid fertilizer to half-strength if used.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicDeschampsia flexuosa is not considered toxic to cats. The plant does not produce compounds that are harmful to felines.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicDeschampsia flexuosa is not considered toxic to dogs. The plant does not contain known substances that are harmful to canines.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Humans
Non-toxicDeschampsia flexuosa, commonly known as wavy hair-grass, is not considered toxic to humans under normal circumstances. It is a grass species that does not produce known toxic compounds.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Deschampsia flexuosa require full sun?
A: It tolerates partial shade and is well-suited for woodland gardens.
Q: Is this grass invasive?
A: No, it is a clump-forming grass that does not spread aggressively.
Q: Does it produce seeds?
A: Yes, it produces delicate seed heads that add texture to the garden.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Poaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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