Overview

Carex paniculata is a clump forming, tufted grass like in the genus Carex, part of the Cyperaceae family, with semi evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 1-1.5 metres tall and 1-1.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Carex paniculata grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. It is low maintenance. 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 paniculata, the greater tussock-sedge, is a species of flowering plant in the sedge family, Cyperaceae. It grows 1.5 metres (4 ft 11 in) high and can be found in most of Europe (including Britain), Northwest Asia and North America. In the wild it grows across Africa, Albania, Algeria, Austria, Baltic States and other regions. It grows to around 1-1.5 metres tall and 1-1.5 metres wide, carrying semi evergreen foliage. Grow it in full sun and partial shade and most soil types. It works well for city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, patio and container plants, rock garden, low maintenance and flower borders and beds. It tolerates soil of any pH, poorly-drained conditions and east-facing, north-facing, south-facing and west-facing aspects.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Carex paniculata

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

Chalk, Clay, Loam

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Soil moisture

Poorly-drained

Aspect

East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness

H4

Plant details

Carex paniculata size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Grass Like

Habit

Clump forming, Tufted

Foliage

Semi evergreen

Height

1-1.5 metres

Spread

1-1.5 metres

Time to full height

2-5 years

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 paniculata

Propagation

Division, Seed

Pest resistance

Generally pest-free

Disease resistance

Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions