Overview
Carex divulsa is a clump forming grass like in the genus Carex, part of the Cyperaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Carex divulsa grows best in full shade, 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 cottage and informal garden, gravel garden, patio and container plants, prairie planting, coastal and wildlife gardens. It is native to Europe to Macaronesia.
About
Carex divulsa is a compact, evergreen sedge that typically reaches heights of around 40 cm. It features arching leaves that are dark green or greyish-green in color. In summer, this plant produces short spikes adorned with greenish-brown flowers.
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
Best soil and position for Carex
- Sunlight
- Full shade, Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Poorly-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing, South-facing, North-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Carex divulsa size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Grass Like
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Prairie planting, Coastal, Wildlife gardens
- Native to
- Europe to Macaronesia
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Carex divulsa
- Cultivation
- Easy to grow in most situations including damp soil and shade
- Pruning
- Comb or cut out dead leaves and flowers in spring; can be cut back by up to half in late spring or early summer
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame in spring or by division in early summer
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to aphids
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Carex divulsa?
Easy to grow in most situations including damp soil and shade.
Where is the best place to plant Carex divulsa?
Carex divulsa prefers full shade, full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Carex divulsa need?
Carex divulsa 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 poorly-drained to well-drained.
How do I prune Carex divulsa?
Comb or cut out dead leaves and flowers in spring; can be cut back by up to half in late spring or early summer.
How big does Carex divulsa grow?
Carex divulsa reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Carex divulsa hardy in the UK?
Carex divulsa has a UK hardiness rating of H5.
How do I propagate Carex divulsa?
Propagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame in spring or by division in early summer.