How to Grow Deschampsia Pixie Fountain
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Deschampsia Pixie Fountain
Deschampsia cespitosa 'Pixie Fountain'
grassPixie Fountain is a compact, ornamental tufted hair grass cultivar known for its delicate, airy flower panicles that emerge in late spring and persist through autumn. This clumping grass forms dense tufts of fine, dark green foliage and produces graceful, fountain-like seed heads that shimmer in light. It is significantly smaller than the species, making it ideal for smaller garden spaces and containers.
When should you plant Deschampsia Pixie Fountain in your zone?
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Example Deschampsia Pixie Fountain timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Deschampsia Pixie Fountain
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Deschampsia Pixie Fountain
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Deschampsia Pixie Fountain dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-8, with best performance in cooler, moist climates
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Get my Deschampsia Pixie Fountain timeline →Growth Stages
Vegetative Growth
6-8 weeksPlant develops full, dense tuft of fine, dark green foliage; clump expands outward and upward
Maintain consistent moisture. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers that promote weak, floppy growth. Remove any dead or damaged foliage. Begin light watering reduction if establishment is complete.
Flowering & Seed Head Development
4-6 weeksDelicate panicles emerge from foliage in late spring to early summer; flower heads are airy and open, gradually becoming more prominent
Do not cut back flowering stems. Allow seed heads to develop fully. Light staking or support may be needed in windy sites. Continue moderate watering.
Seed Head Maturity & Persistence
8-12 weeks or longerPanicles mature, turn golden-tan, and develop full, shimmering appearance; seed heads persist through fall and winter
Enjoy ornamental value through seasons. Do not cut back; seed heads provide winter interest and shelter for wildlife. Minimal watering needed unless drought stress evident.
Dormancy & Spring Renewal
Varies by zone; 2-4 monthsFoliage may brown or die back in winter; new growth emerges from crown in early spring
Cut back old foliage in late winter to early spring before new growth begins (within 3-4 inches of crown). Clear winter debris. Resume regular watering as temperatures warm.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Improve air circulation, avoid overhead watering, cut back dead foliage promptly. Apply fungicide if severe; remove affected stems.
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Maintain good drainage and air flow, avoid wetting foliage. Remove heavily infected foliage. Apply fungicide if necessary.
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Ensure excellent drainage; do not overwater. Improve soil aeration. Remove and discard severely affected plants. Treat with fungicide in early stages.
Uses
Garden Focal Point & Border
OrnamentalThe delicate, fountain-like panicles and fine texture create dynamic movement and visual interest in borders, rock gardens, and containers. The persistent seed heads provide ornamental value through fall and winter. [source]
Wildlife Habitat & Food Source
WildlifeSeed heads provide food for songbirds and small wildlife through winter. Dense foliage offers shelter and nesting material for beneficial insects and ground-nesting birds. [source]
Cut Flower & Dried Arrangement
HouseholdDelicate panicles can be cut fresh or dried for flower arrangements, dried bouquets, and craft projects. Dried seed heads retain their shimmering appearance for months. [source]
Erosion Control & Slope Stabilization
CraftDense, fibrous root system stabilizes soil and prevents erosion on slopes and banks. Useful in rain gardens and areas requiring ground stabilization. [source]
Container & Specimen Growing
OrnamentalCompact size makes Pixie Fountain ideal for containers, raised beds, and small spaces where larger ornamental grasses are impractical. Excellent as a focal point in mixed containers. [source]
Harvest Tips
Ornamental grass is not harvested for consumption. Seed heads can be collected for drying and arrangement purposes in mid to late autumn once fully mature and dried. Cut stems at base when desired for arrangements. Cut back all dead foliage in late winter (February-March in most zones) to within 2-4 inches of the crown to promote healthy spring regrowth.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Deschampsia cespitosa is native to cool, moist regions across the Northern Hemisphere, including Europe, Asia, and North America, thriving in alpine meadows and wetlands.
- 🌱 The common name 'hair grass' refers to the extremely fine, hair-like foliage and delicate panicles that shimmer and move with the slightest breeze, creating a luminous effect in sunlight.
- 🌱 'Pixie Fountain' was specifically bred to be a dwarf cultivar, typically growing only 12-18 inches tall, compared to the species which can reach 2-3 feet, making it much more suitable for contemporary and small-space gardens.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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