Overview
Carex molesta is a clump forming, tufted grass in the genus Carex, part of the Cyperaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Carex molesta 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 molesta is a species of sedge known by the common name troublesome sedge. It is native to eastern and central North America, where it grows in varied wet and dry habitats, performs equally well in full sun and partial shade, including disturbed areas such as roadsides.
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 molesta 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 molesta
- 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 molesta?
Carex molesta prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Carex molesta need?
Carex molesta 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 molesta hardy in the UK?
Carex molesta 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 molesta?
Division in spring.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Carex genus
- Carex fraseriFraser's sedge
- Carex morrowii 'Variegata'Variegated Japanese Sedge
- Carex riparia 'Variegata'Variegated greater pond sedge
- Carex stricta 'Bowles' Golden'Tussock Sedge
- Carex trifidamutton-bird sedge
- Carex divulsagrey sedge