Overview
Carex buchananii is a clump forming, tufted grass in the genus Carex, part of the Cyperaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Carex buchananii grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained and sandy or loamy soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include ornamental grass, ground cover and erosion control. It is native to KwaZulu-Natal and Lesotho.
About
Carex buchananii, common names Buchanan's sedge, cutty grass, is a species of sedge. It is endemic to New Zealand, being found on both the North and South Islands.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Carex buchananii
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
- well-drained, sandy or loamy
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- moist, well-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Carex buchananii size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Grass
- Habit
- Clump forming, Tufted
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- ornamental grass, ground cover, erosion control
- Native to
- KwaZulu-Natal, Lesotho
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Carex buchananii
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate dry conditions once established. Suitable for rock gardens and borders.
- Pruning
- Cut back old foliage in late winter or early spring to encourage fresh growth.
- Propagation
- Division in spring or autumn
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Carex buchananii?
Prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate dry conditions once established. Suitable for rock gardens and borders.
Where is the best place to plant Carex buchananii?
Carex buchananii prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Carex buchananii need?
Carex buchananii grows best in well-drained and sandy or loamy soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist to well-drained.
How do I prune Carex buchananii?
Cut back old foliage in late winter or early spring to encourage fresh growth.
Is Carex buchananii hardy in the UK?
Carex buchananii 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 buchananii?
Division in spring or autumn.
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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