Plant Tufted Hair Grass – Crown at Soil Level

Plant Tufted Hair Grass – Crown at Soil Level guide illustration

Plant tufted hair grass in spring, with the crown at soil level. Space clumps so the mature tussock has room.

Planting Tufted Hair Grass care summary diagram

Plant in spring, with the crown at soil level

FactorRecommendedAvoid
WhenSpring, or early fall while the soil still worksDo not plant into midsummer heat with no water
CrownCrown at soil level, or a little highDo not bury the crown
SpacingAbout 18 inches to 2 feet for tufted hair grassA packed row with no room for the tussock
HoleMoist ground for tufted hair grassDo not set tufted hair grass on a dry, baked slope

This is a cool-season grass, so plant while it is in active growth in spring, or in early fall while the soil is still workable. Set the crown even with the soil, or a little high, so new blades are not smothered. [1] tufted hair grass wants a moist hole. wavy hairgrass takes the same crown set in a draining shade hole — confirm the kind on Types of Deschampsia. [2]

When do I plant tufted hair grass?

Plant in spring, while the grass is growing, or in early fall while the soil still works. Skip midsummer heat unless you can water until it takes.

How to plant tufted hair grass

Work one nursery clump at a time: open a hole no deeper than the pot, set the crown, then water to settle.

  1. Confirm tufted hair grass or wavy hairgrass on the tag. If the tag says only hair grass, match it on Types of Deschampsia.
  2. Dig a hole no deeper than the nursery pot and a little wider. Soak the pot before you slide the plant out.
  3. Set the crown even with the soil surface, or a little high. Do not bury it. [3]
  4. Space tufted clumps about 18 inches to 2 feet apart so the mature tussock has room. Wavy hairgrass can sit closer, about 12 inches, because the foliage stays low. [4]
  5. Water thoroughly to settle. After planting, shade and even moisture are on How to Grow Tufted Hair Grass.

How far apart should I plant tufted hair grass?

Space tufted clumps about 18 inches to 2 feet apart. A crowded tussock loses the open, airy look. Wavy hairgrass can sit about 12 inches apart.

Split a crowded clump in spring

Dividing a clump uses the same planting steps. Wait until new shoots show, then cut so each piece keeps roots and green blades.

  1. Divide in spring, as new growth shows. Early fall also works if you can water until it takes.
  2. Lift the clump and split it so each piece keeps roots and several green shoots. Discard a dead, hollow center.
  3. Replant each piece at the same depth, crown at soil level, and water to settle.

What fails at planting

Burying the crown, or setting a moist-meadow clump on a dry, baked slope, is the usual reason a new plant stalls. Keep the crown at soil level. Do not plant into midsummer heat unless you can water until roots take.

If the crown is buried, lift the clump and reset it at soil level this week.

FAQ

Can I plant in midsummer?

Only if you can water until the clump takes. Spring or early fall is the reliable window for this cool-season grass.

Recommended plants

References

  1. [1] McKay Nursery - https://www.mckaynursery.com/tufted-hair-grass
  2. [2] PlantNative - https://plantnative.org/native-plants/tufted-hairgrass-deschampsia-caespitosa.htm
  3. [3] NC State Extension Gardener - https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/deschampsia-cespitosa/
  4. [4] North Creek Nurseries - https://www.northcreeknurseries.com/plant-name/Deschampsia-flexuosa-

This note is part of Deschampsia Guides.

More planting notes by plant are gathered in Planting Guides.

Updated: Reviewed by Bosquelle Editors

This guide is written for real gardens, not perfect climates. Results vary with site, season, and plant choice. We draw on multiple sources and practical experience; treat the steps here as honest guidance, not a promise that every bed will behave the same.