Overview
Carex parvula is a clump forming, tufted grass in the genus Carex, part of the Cyperaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Carex parvula 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 parvula is an evergreen, clump-forming grass cultivar within the Carex genus, known for its tufted growth habit and triangular stems with linear foliage. This perennial thrives in a variety of soil types, including loam and sand, and tolerates a range of pH levels from acid to alkaline. It is hardy to UK zone H7 and grows well in both full sun and partial shade, making it suitable for diverse garden settings such as city gardens, rock gardens, and patios. Carex parvula prefers moist but well-drained or poorly-drained soil and is best propagated by division in spring.
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 parvula 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 parvula
- 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 parvula?
Carex parvula prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Carex parvula need?
Carex parvula 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 parvula hardy in the UK?
Carex parvula 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 parvula?
Division in spring.