About
Carex flacca 'Blue Zinger' is a resilient, clump-forming sedge that slowly expands over time. This evergreen perennial reaches a height of approximately 30 cm and features striking glaucous-blue leaves. In late spring, it produces purplish-black flower spikes that can grow up to 30 cm tall, emerging amidst the foliage.
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
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
- Plant type
- Grass Like
- Habit
- Clump forming, Tufted
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Native to sand dunes and marshes so will grow in full sun or part shade in a range of soils, including moist but well-drained soil or dry soils, best in full sun for intense foliage colour. Very drought tolerant, useful for a green roof or coastal situations. See ornamental grasses cultivation
- Pruning
- Cut out any dead leaves on evergreen species in summer
- Propagation
- Propagate by division in mid spring to early summer
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to aphids
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free