About
A densely tufted, evergreen sedge to about 40cm with arching, dark green or greyish green leaves and short spikes of greenish-brown flowers in summer.
About the genus
Carex can be deciduous or evergreen, rhizomatous or tufted perennials, with triangular stems bearing linear or strap-shaped leaves and short or long spikes of tiny green or brown flowers
Growing conditions
SunlightFull shade, Full sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Poorly-drained, Well-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing, North-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeGrass Like
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Prairie planting, Coastal, Wildlife gardens
Native toEurope to Macaronesia
Care notes
CultivationEasy to grow in most situations including damp soil and shade
PruningComb or cut out dead leaves and flowers in spring; can be cut back by up to half in late spring or early summer
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame in spring or by division in early summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free