About
Carex chathamica is a perennial sedge that forms dense clumps and remains evergreen throughout the year. It typically reaches a height of around 45 cm and features robust stems supporting broad, metallic blue-green foliage with a silvery underside. In the summer months, this plant produces prominent terminal flower spikes that are brown in color.
About the genus
Carex encompasses both deciduous and evergreen species, characterized by their rhizomatous or tufted growth habits. These perennials feature triangular stems topped with linear or strap-like foliage, and they produce spikes that can be either short or elongated, adorned with small green or brown flowers.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam, Chalk, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral, Alkaline
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
- Plant type
- Grass Like
- Habit
- Clump forming, Tufted
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants
- Native to
- Chatham Islands
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Suits a range of soils including well-drained and moist but well-drained soil in full sun. See ornamental grasses cultivation
- Pruning
- Cut out any dead leaves on evergreen species in summer
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed in early spring or by division in mid spring to early summer
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to aphids
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free