About
Carex dipsacea is an evergreen sedge that develops compact clusters, reaching heights of up to 75 cm. Its fine, olive-green leaves create a lush appearance. During the winter months, the foliage displays shades of orange, yellow, and bronze, particularly in full sunlight. In summer, the plant produces flower stems that are shorter than the leaves, featuring between four and eight dark flower spikes that can grow up to 2.5 cm in length.
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, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Poorly-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing, South-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
- Plant type
- Grass Like
- Habit
- Clump forming, Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Architectural, City and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants, Rock garden
- Native to
- New Zealand
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist conditions in sun or part shade. Ideal for a bog or rock garden
- Pruning
- Comb, rake out or cut back any dead leaves and flowers in spring
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed, sown in containers in a cold frame in spring or by division in early summer
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to a rust