Tufted Hairgrass Care
This plant grows best in moist, organically rich soil and part shade. It is an easy-to-grow perennial when planted in any average, well-drained soil. Be mindful of too much shade. Tufted hairgrass grows well in part shade—sites that receive at least 4 hours of bright light a day—but will not flower in full shade. It is semi-evergreen in Zones 7–9. Plant in spring then water deeply. Continue watering deeply every week or two during the first growing season. Blanket the soil around new plants with a 2-inch-thick layer of mulch to prevent moisture evaporation. Expect tufted hairgrass to send up airy flower clusters in late summer. They emerge in shades of gold, silver, purple, and green then turn yellowish-tan as seeds ripen. Allow the flowers to stand through winter to enjoy their textural contribution to the garden, or cut them back in late fall. In early spring cut tufted hairgrass back to 3 inches above the soil (in colder zones plants will die back to the ground so no trimming will be needed). New shoots will emerge in spring. Learn how to properly prepare your perennials for the winter.
