Overview
Carex elata is a clump forming, tufted grass in the genus Carex, part of the Cyperaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Carex elata grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam and sand soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, patio and container plants, rock garden, low maintenance and flower borders and beds.
About
Carex elata (common name, tufted sedge), is a species of tussock-forming, grass-like plant in the Cyperaceae family. It is native to all of Europe, the Atlas Mountains of Africa, Turkey, Iran and Central Asia. In the garden it prefers full sun and partial shade and loam and sand soil. In UK gardens it is fully hardy throughout the UK (RHS H7). Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, patio and container plants, rock garden, low maintenance and flower borders and beds. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained, poorly-drained conditions and east-facing, north-facing, south-facing and west-facing aspects. Plant in well-drained soil in a suitable position. Water during establishment.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Carex elata
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
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Carex elata size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Grass
- Habit
- Clump forming, Tufted
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden, Low Maintenance, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Carex elata
- Propagation
- Division in spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Carex elata?
Carex elata prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Carex elata need?
Carex elata grows best in loam and sand soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to poorly-drained.
Is Carex elata hardy in the UK?
Carex elata has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Carex elata?
Division in spring.