Overview
Carex appressa is a clump forming, tufted grass in the genus Carex, part of the Cyperaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Carex appressa grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam and sand soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, patio and container plants, rock garden, low maintenance and flower borders and beds.
About
Carex appressa is an evergreen, clump-forming grass cultivar within the Carex genus, known for its tufted growth habit and triangular stems with strap-like foliage. It thrives in a variety of soil types, including loam and sand, and tolerates a range of pH levels from acid to alkaline. Suitable for both exposed and sheltered locations, it prefers full sun to partial shade and is hardy to UK zone H7. This cultivar is ideal for city and courtyard gardens, rock gardens, and flower borders, offering interest in spring and summer. Propagation is by division in spring, and it grows best in fertile, well-drained soil.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Carex
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Carex appressa size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Grass
- Habit
- Clump forming, Tufted
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden, Low Maintenance, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Carex appressa
- Propagation
- Division in spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Carex appressa?
Carex appressa prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Carex appressa need?
Carex appressa grows best in loam and sand soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to poorly-drained.
Is Carex appressa hardy in the UK?
Carex appressa has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Carex appressa?
Division in spring.
More in the Carex genus
- Carex appalachica
- Carex baccanscrimson-fruited sedge
- Carex bigelowiistiff sedge
- Carex binervisgreen-ribbed sedge
- Carex bohemica
- Carex chathamica
- Carex comans 'Copper Green'
- Carex dioicadioecious sedge
