Overview
Carex elongata is a clump forming, tufted grass in the genus Carex, part of the Cyperaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Carex elongata 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 elongata, commonly known as elongated sedge or hesgen hir, is an evergreen grass forming clumps with a tufted habit. As a member of the Carex genus, it features triangular stems and linear foliage, thriving in full sun or partial shade across various soil types including loam and sand, with a preference for moist but well-drained conditions. Hardy to UK zone H7, it suits a range of garden settings from city courtyards to informal and rock gardens. This cultivar is best propagated by division in spring and offers seasonal interest through spring and summer.
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 elongata 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 elongata
- 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 elongata?
Carex elongata prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Carex elongata need?
Carex elongata 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 elongata hardy in the UK?
Carex elongata 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 elongata?
Division in spring.