UK compost
What compost for goldtau hair grass in the UK?
Deschampsia cespitosa 'Goldtau'
More about goldtau hair grass in the UK
Which compost goldtau hair grass needs
For goldtau hair grass the mix to buy is peat-free ericaceous (lime-free) compost. Thrives in moisture-retentive soils. Amend sandy soils with plenty of compost or leaf mould to improve water retention. Tolerates heavy clay, provided it does not dry out and crack in summer.In British garden centres the bagged growing medium is sold simply as “compost” (multipurpose, ericaceous, or loam-based John Innes), which is a different thing from the rotted garden “compost” you make in a heap — for a pot you want the bagged kind.
Peat-free compost
Buy peat-free. The sale of peat compost to home gardeners is being phased out across the UK, and the RHS recommends peat-free on environmental grounds. A good peat-free multipurpose grows goldtau hair grass perfectly well; the one habit to change is watering — peat-free dries faster at the surface while still moist below, so check by feel a knuckle deep rather than trusting the look of the top.
Ericaceous or multipurpose?
Goldtau Hair Grass is a lime-hater: it needs an acidic, lime-free ericaceous compost. In ordinary (limey) multipurpose it slowly yellows between the leaf veins as it locks out iron. Buy a bag labelled "ericaceous", and in a hard-water area water with rainwater where you can, since tap water is slightly alkaline.
For the full recipe, pH and drainage detail (US wording), see the goldtau hair grass soil & potting-mix guide.
Compost for Goldtau Hair Grass in the UK — frequently asked questions
What compost should I use for goldtau hair grass in the UK?
Use peat-free ericaceous (lime-free) compost. Thrives in moisture-retentive soils. Amend sandy soils with plenty of compost or leaf mould to improve water retention. Tolerates heavy clay, provided it does not dry out and crack in summer. In UK garden centres this is sold simply as "compost" — the bagged growing medium, not garden-made leaf-mould — so match the description above rather than a brand.
Can I use ordinary multipurpose compost for goldtau hair grass?
No — goldtau hair grass needs an acidic, lime-free (ericaceous) compost. Standard multipurpose is too limey and will slowly cause yellowing between the leaf veins (lime-induced chlorosis). Buy a bag labelled "ericaceous".
Should the compost be peat-free?
Yes. Sales of peat compost to home gardeners are being phased out in the UK, and the RHS recommends peat-free for environmental reasons. Modern peat-free multipurpose composts grow goldtau hair grass perfectly well — they dry a little faster at the surface, so check moisture by feel rather than by the look of the top.
Does goldtau hair grass need grit or perlite added?
Not essential, but a couple of handfuls of perlite in the mix improves aeration and guards against overwatering — useful on a cool, damp British windowsill where compost stays wet longer.
What pot and drainage does goldtau hair grass need?
Always a pot with drainage holes. Moist to wet, fertile, slightly acidic loam or clay; pH 5.0-7.0. Stand it on a saucer, empty any water that collects after watering, and never leave the pot sitting in a full outer cover — waterlogged compost in a cool UK room is the commonest cause of root rot.
More goldtau hair grass care
See the full goldtau hair grass care guide, its UK watering and UK hardiness.