Deschampsia 'Goldschleier'

Deschampsia 'Goldschleier': Golden Veils Backlit by Evening Sun

Most grasses sulk the second a tree casts a shadow. 'Goldschleier' just throws on a shimmering veil of plumes that go from silver to gold like it's walking down the aisle. NO ESCORT REQUIRED.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Deschampsia cespitosa 'Goldschleier'
• Common Name: Tufted Hair Grass, Gold Veil Hair Grass
• Height: 60–90 cm (2–3 ft) in flower
• Spread: 45–60 cm (1.5–2 ft)
• Flowers: Fine, open plumes with a silvery sheen that turn golden yellow, then straw coloured. They hold well into fall.
• Bloom Time: Early to midsummer (June to July)
• Foliage: Fine, dark bluish-green blades in a dense, rounded tuft. Semi-evergreen.
• Features: Cool-season grass, shade tolerant, long-lasting seed heads, holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit

Where to Plant: Plant it in drifts through a border, along a path, or in a naturalistic meadow planting. Put it where morning or evening sun comes through from behind, and don't be afraid to use it in a lightly shaded bed.

Companion Plants: Use the golden flower clouds of 'Goldschleier' to soften a moist bed in sun or part shade. Bergenia cordifolia opens pink bells at 35 to 45 cm in April and May over big glossy leaves. Campanula 'Blue Magic'® edges the front with deep blue bells at 10 to 20 cm from June to September. Digitalis Arctic Fox™ Lemon Cream adds pale lemon foxgloves at 60 cm from June to August. Aruncus dioicus rises behind at 120 to 180 cm with creamy goat's beard plumes in June and July.

Plant Care: Plant in full sun to part shade, in moist, well-drained soil with some organic matter. It does best where summers are cool and the soil doesn't bake. In hot, dry spots, a little afternoon shade and regular water keep the clump green. Leave the seed heads standing over winter. In early spring, comb out or cut back the old foliage before new growth starts. Avoid cutting it right to the ground if it's still green. Divide in spring or early fall every few years if the centre thins out.

History: 'Goldschleier' is a German selection of Deschampsia cespitosa, a grass that grows wild across the cooler parts of the northern hemisphere, including Canada, chosen for its golden flower plumes. It holds the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

Final Thoughts: Plant a drift along the path and watch every evening sunbeam get tangled up in it. THE GOLDEN HOUR NOW LIVES IN YOUR YARD.