Deschampsia 'Northern Lights'

Deschampsia 'Northern Lights': Cream-Striped Tufts Blushing in the Cold

The flowers on this grass barely bother showing up, and honestly? Nobody notices. Cream and green stripes blush pink when the weather turns cool, like it just got caught checking out the neighbour. THE FOLIAGE IS THE WHOLE SHOW.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Deschampsia cespitosa 'Northern Lights'
• Common Name: Tufted Hair Grass, Variegated Hair Grass
• Height: 30–40 cm (12–16 in) in foliage, up to 70 cm (28 in) in flower
• Spread: 30–40 cm (12–16 in)
• Flowers: Light, airy panicles that open pale green and age to tan. Flowering is light and some years sparse; the foliage is the main event.
• Bloom Time: Summer (July to August)
• Foliage: Fine, arching blades striped creamy white and green, flushed pink in cool spring and fall weather. Semi-evergreen.
• Features: Variegated foliage, compact, rabbit resistant

Where to Plant: Use it to edge a path, line the front of a border or brighten a part-shade bed, and it is small enough for containers and rock gardens. A row of three or five reads like a soft, glowing ribbon, and afternoon shade helps in hot spots.

Companion Plants: Edge a moist bed in sun or part shade with the cream-striped blades of 'Northern Lights'. Helleborus HGC® Ice N' Roses® Rosetta opens soft pink flowers at 45 to 60 cm from March to May. Campanula 'Rapido Blue' adds deep blue bells at 15 to 20 cm from June to September. Filipendula 'Kahome' brings feathery pink plumes at 20 to 30 cm in July and August. Iris 'White Swirl' opens clear white Siberian iris at 80 to 100 cm in May and June.

Plant Care: Plant in full sun to part shade, in moist, well-drained soil with some organic matter. In a hot, dry site, give it afternoon shade and water during dry spells. It grows slowly, so be patient. If an all-green shoot appears, pull or cut it out. Green shoots grow faster and can take over the clump. In early spring, comb out or trim off the tired foliage before new growth starts. Divide in spring or early fall if the clump gets crowded.

History: 'Northern Lights' is a variegated selection of tufted hair grass credited to Bluebird Nursery. The species, Deschampsia cespitosa, grows wild across the cool parts of the northern hemisphere, including Canada, and its name means growing in tufts.

Final Thoughts: Deer and rabbits keep walking. Your guests won't. Tuck a few by the front step and catch the light show WITHOUT STAYING UP ALL NIGHT IN A PARKA.