Deschampsia cespitosa Goldtau

Deschampsia cespitosa Goldtau - Golden Dew - is a perennial ornamental grass that forms dense tussock of foliage topped with flower spikes that are gold in colour.

They are happy in most garden soils, but prefer the soil to be non-alkaline - acid or neutral.

Deschampsia are hardy grasses - and this particular one is normally evergreen - in milder winters, or herbaceous, in that it dies down to re-emerge in the spring.

The flower heads are good for floral arrangers and also dry well, but it is as a garden plant that we are interested here.

This is an evergreen grass, with a compact habit of growth - suited to growing at front of herbaceous perennial borders, shrub beds, rock gardens or in suitable container for interest over a long period on the patio. It makes a superb specimen plant

The flower spikes start off a light reddish brown in summer but then mature to the golden yellow flowers seen in the image - and responsible for its name.

Deschampsia cespitosa Golden Dew, grows to a height and spread of around 80 cms - 25-30in. It is happy in most soils other than alkaline, and can be dry or moist but not waterlogged.

Golden Dew Grass is best planted in full sunshine - aiming at either a dark background, or evening sun shining from behind to giver the best silhouette effect for this dainty-looking grass.

It recovers from its bedraggled appearance after heavy rain! Raindrop hang well on the flowers - giving added appeal.

Propagation of Deschampsia

It is easily propagated by division of the plant in early spring - but after winter has finished. Grow the individual divisions in a 6in pot for a few months before planting out late summer or early autumn - not in winter.

Deschampsia can also be grown by sowing seed, which is best done in a seed tray in cold greenhouse or coldframe. Ripe seed can be sown immediately after harvesting in autumn, with this method.

Alternatively, the seed can be stored in airtight container - cool place - until spring, and then sown direct into the garden soil or nursery bed.

Problems with Deschampsia

We know of no problems by way of insect pests or fungal diseases with Deschampsia cespitosa Ornamental Grasses.