Northwest Blooms · Perennials
Deschampsia cespitosa 'Northern Lights'
Northern Lights Tufted Hair Grass
- Family
- Poaceae
- Height
- 12 to 18 inches
- Width
- 12 to 18 inches
- Flower color
- Pale white, airy panicles
- Foliage color
- Variegated green with creamy white and pink tinges
- Bloom time
- Late spring to early summer
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Maintenance
- Low; trim back in early spring before new growth
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 4 to 9
- Wildlife
- Attracts birds and provides habitat for beneficial insects
About this plant
Deschampsia cespitosa 'Northern Lights' is a graceful ornamental grass known for its variegated foliage and delicate flower panicles. Its leaves are green with creamy white and pink accents, offering a soft, glowing effect in the garden. In late spring to early summer, the plant produces airy, silvery-purple flower heads that rise above the foliage, adding movement and texture as they sway gently in the breeze.
This cultivar originated from selective breeding efforts to enhance the visual appeal of the species. 'Northern Lights' is prized for its compact form, colorful foliage, and elegant blooms, making it a beautiful addition to borders, meadow gardens, or naturalistic plantings, where it brings a touch of lightness and elegance.
Works well in
Borders · Cottage Gardens · Bird Gardens · Containers
Companion plants
Heucheras · Lady's mantle · Hellebores · Hardy geraniums · Hostas · Ferns
Design tip
Summer flowers carry the middle of the season, so place it where the bed needs color once spring bulbs fade. Because it is easy about light, use it to carry a planting from a sunny end of the bed into the shadier side.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen in the perennial border at the Bellevue Botanical Garden.
