About
Carex flacca is a perennial sedge that gradually spreads, reaching heights of up to 45 cm. It features rigid, hair-like foliage that displays a rich green color on the upper side, while the undersides are a muted blue-gray. In early summer, this plant produces flower spikes measuring about 4 cm in length, which emerge on gracefully bending stems and have a purple-brown hue.
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
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, North-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
- Plant type
- Grass Like
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Rock garden, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants
- Native to
- Europe to Pakistan
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grows best in a moisture-retentive, alkaline to neutral soil. Drought-tolerant when established. Can spread so best grown in confined spaces or containers
- Pruning
- Comb or rake off any old, tired or dead leaves and flowers in spring
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame in spring or by division in early summer
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free