Overview
Carex acutiformis is a clump forming, tufted grass like in the genus Carex, part of the Cyperaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 1-1.5 metres tall and 1-1.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Carex acutiformis grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates clay and loam soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include wildlife gardens, wildflower meadows and low maintenance.
About
Carex acutiformis, commonly known as lesser pond sedge, is a clump-forming, tufted sedge belonging to the genus Carex within the Cyperaceae family. This deciduous, grass-like plant typically reaches 1 to 1.5 metres in height and spread over 2 to 5 years. It thrives in poorly-drained clay or loam soils with a range of pH levels and can grow in full sun or partial shade, favouring south-, west-, or east-facing aspects. Carex acutiformis is suited to both exposed and sheltered locations, making it a versatile choice for aquatic or boggy garden areas with seasonal interest in summer and winter.
About the genus
Carex is a vast genus of over 2,000 species of grass-like plants in the family Cyperaceae, commonly known as sedges. Other members of the family Cyperaceae are also called sedges; however, those of genus Carex may be called true sedges. Carex is the most species-rich genus in the family.
Wikipedia contributors, "Carex", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Carex
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Carex
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Poorly-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Carex acutiformis size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Grass Like, Aquatic, Bogs
- Habit
- Clump forming, Tufted
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1-1.5 metres
- Spread
- 1-1.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Wildlife gardens, Wildflower meadows, Low Maintenance
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Carex acutiformis
- Propagation
- Seed, Division
- Pest resistance
- Aphids
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Carex acutiformis?
Carex acutiformis prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Carex acutiformis need?
Carex acutiformis grows best in clay and loam soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays poorly-drained.
How big does Carex acutiformis grow?
Carex acutiformis reaches a height of 1-1.5 metres and a spread of 1-1.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Carex acutiformis hardy in the UK?
Carex acutiformis has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Carex acutiformis?
Seed, Division.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Carex genus
- Carex fraseriFraser's sedge
- Carex morrowii 'Variegata'Variegated Japanese Sedge
- Carex riparia 'Variegata'Variegated greater pond sedge
- Carex stricta 'Bowles' Golden'Tussock Sedge
- Carex trifidamutton-bird sedge
- Carex divulsagrey sedge
Last updated