About

Carex elata 'Aurea' is a hardy evergreen perennial that develops a dense clump of upright or gracefully arching, slender yellow foliage, reaching heights of up to 70 cm. In early summer, it produces small, dark flower spikes that rise on straight stems, extending to about 45 cm.

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
Clay, Loam
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Poorly-drained
Aspect
South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H6

Plant details

Plant type
Grass Like, Aquatic, Bogs
Habit
Tufted
Foliage
Evergreen
Height
0.5-1 metres
Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height
2-5 years
Suggested uses
Patio and container plants

Care notes

Cultivation
Grow in fertile, moist or wet soil, in sun or partial shade. See pond plants and bog gardens for further advice
Pruning
Cut back after flowering
Propagation
Propagate by division from mid-spring to early summer
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to aphids
Disease resistance
Generally disease-free