Overview
Carex comans 'Frosted Curls' is a tufted grass like in the genus Carex, part of the Cyperaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Carex comans 'Frosted Curls' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. It is low maintenance. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, coastal, cottage and informal garden, gravel garden, patio and container plants, low maintenance, flower borders and beds, garden edging and wildlife gardens. It is native to New Zealand.
About
Carex comans is a plant species in the sedge family, Cyperaceae, endemic to New Zealand. It is used as an ornamental plant, growing in clumps of bluish green leaves with heights of 25–35 centimetres.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Carex comans
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
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing, South-facing, North-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Carex comans 'Frosted Curls' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Grass Like
- Habit
- Tufted
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Low Maintenance, Flower borders and beds, Garden edging, Wildlife gardens
- Native to
- New Zealand
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Carex comans 'Frosted Curls'
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist but well-drained soil and can tolerate a range of soil types and pH levels. Suitable for full sun to partial shade. Requires division every few years to maintain vigor.
- Pruning
- Cut back old foliage in late winter or early spring before new growth begins to maintain tidy appearance.
- Propagation
- Division in mid spring to early summer, Division in spring, Seed sown in containers in a cold frame in spring, Seed sown in autumn
- Pest resistance
- Aphids
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Carex comans 'Frosted Curls'?
Prefers moist but well-drained soil and can tolerate a range of soil types and pH levels. Suitable for full sun to partial shade. Requires division every few years to maintain vigor.
Where is the best place to plant Carex comans 'Frosted Curls'?
Carex comans 'Frosted Curls' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Carex comans 'Frosted Curls' need?
Carex comans 'Frosted Curls' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
How do I prune Carex comans 'Frosted Curls'?
Cut back old foliage in late winter or early spring before new growth begins to maintain tidy appearance.
How big does Carex comans 'Frosted Curls' grow?
Carex comans 'Frosted Curls' reaches a height of 0.1-0.5 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Carex comans 'Frosted Curls' hardy in the UK?
Carex comans 'Frosted Curls' 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 comans 'Frosted Curls'?
Division in mid spring to early summer, Division in spring, Seed sown in containers in a cold frame in spring, Seed sown in autumn.