About this cultivar:
Deschampsia cespitosa 'Goldtau' is smaller-growing than some of the cespitosa selections, with dark green leaves ageing to golden brown. The long-lasting flower plumes, held up to 75cm, are silvery brown and green, turning warm gold as they mature, giving a shimmering effect. It appears to change colour depending on the light. The flower heads also make an attractive addition to cut-flower arrangements. 'Goldtau' translates as 'Golden dew'.
We mainly like it because the way it dries out during the autumn and winter!
- Position: Full sun, partial shade
- Soil: Almost any soil, grows well in Ballyrobert
- Flowers: June, July, August
- Other features: Grows well in Ballyrobert, Cut Flowers or Dried Flowers
- Hardiness: H6 - Hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15°C), Fully hardy - grows well in Ballyrobert!
- Habit: Bushy, clump forming
- Foliage: Evergreen
- Height: 50 - 75 cm (1.7 - 2.5 ft)
- Spread: 50 - 75 cm (1.7 - 2.5 ft)
- Time to full growth: 2 to 5 years
- Plant type: Herbaceous Perennial, Grass like
- Colour: Green, yellow
- Goes well with: Astrantia, Kniphofia, Achillea, Salvia, Iris, Papaver, Acanthus
About this genus:
Deschampsia is a genus of grasses in the true-grass family (Poaceae), commonly known as hair grass or tussock grass. There are 30 to 40 species, many of which are native to Britain and Ireland. The genus is named for French physician and naturalist Louis Auguste Deschamps, 1765-1842.
They have a reputation of being able to grow anywhere ; a Deschampsia species is one of only two flowering plants in Antarctica and some Deschampsia even grow in the boggy acidic formations of Portlethen Moss in Scotland. Unfortunately for nursery-men Deschampsia also have a reputation of seeding everywhere and becoming a garden pest; which is not true for many of the cultivars (thank you plant-breeders!). Some of the better cultivars look fantastic in our garden and it sometimes makes you wonder why so many 'prairie-style' gardens are using American natives when Deschampsia looks and performs better over here!
Where will they grow? Anywhere (even the Antarctic remember!) - but not full shade.
What they pair well with? Anything really. We love it with Astrantia, Kniphofia, Achillea, Salvia, Iris, Papaver, Acanthus and so on. Forms a great back drop/canvas as well as a foreground/veil.