Troubleshooting
wavy hair grass problems — and how to fix them
wavy hair grass (Deschampsia flexuosa) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Alkaline soil failure
Yellowing, poor growth, and death result from neutral or alkaline soils; test pH before planting and correct to below 6.5 with sulphur chips or plant in ericaceous compost.
Self-seeding
Prolific seeder in suitable acid conditions; remove spent flower heads after summer to limit unwanted seedlings if the planting needs to remain tidy.
Heat and drought stress
Foliage browns and thins in hot, dry summers away from its native cool, moist moorland climate; site in the coolest available spot with some afternoon shade in warm regions.
Prevent wavy hair grass problems before they start
Most wavy hair grass issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for wavy hair grass in general rather than its problems? Read the full wavy hair grass care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
wavy hair grass problems — FAQ
Why is my wavy hair grass alkaline soil failure?
Yellowing, poor growth, and death result from neutral or alkaline soils; test pH before planting and correct to below 6.5 with sulphur chips or plant in ericaceous compost.
Why is my wavy hair grass self-seeding?
Prolific seeder in suitable acid conditions; remove spent flower heads after summer to limit unwanted seedlings if the planting needs to remain tidy.
Why is my wavy hair grass heat and drought stress?
Foliage browns and thins in hot, dry summers away from its native cool, moist moorland climate; site in the coolest available spot with some afternoon shade in warm regions.