About

Carex flagellifera is an evergreen perennial that develops a dense clump of slender, reddish-brown foliage. In late summer, it produces light brown flower spikes atop stems that can reach up to 1 meter in height.

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, North-facing, East-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H4

Plant details

Plant type
Grass Like
Habit
Tufted
Foliage
Evergreen
Height
0.5-1 metres
Spread
0.5-1 metres
Time to full height
2-5 years
Suggested uses
Cottage and informal garden, Prairie planting, Architectural
Native to
New Zealand, Tas.

Care notes

Cultivation
Easy to grow in most well-drained fertile soils. Will not tolerate excessive winter wet
Pruning
In summer cut out any dead leaves
Propagation
Propagate by seed, sown in containers in a cold frame in spring or by division in early summer
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to aphid damage on stem bases
Disease resistance
Generally disease-free