About
Carex dipsacea 'Dark Horse' is a robust, clump-forming evergreen perennial that reaches heights of 60-75 cm. Its leaves exhibit a mix of bronze and olive-green hues, transitioning to deep bronze-red during the winter months. In summer, this plant produces semi-trailing black flower spikes that emerge from among the foliage.
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
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing, South-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
- Plant type
- Grass Like
- Habit
- Tufted
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Coastal, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Best in a sheltered position, in moist but well-drained soil in sun or part shade. See ornamental grasses cultivation
- 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
- Generally disease-free