Overview

Carex pendula is a clump forming, tufted aquatic in the genus Carex, part of the Cyperaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 1-1.5 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Carex pendula grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. It is low maintenance. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, coastal, cottage and informal garden, gravel garden, patio and container plants, low maintenance, flower borders and beds, garden edging and wildlife gardens.

About

Carex pendula (pendulous sedge, also known as hanging, drooping or weeping sedge) is a large sedge of the genus Carex. It occurs in woodland, scrubland, hedges and beside streams, preferring damp, heavy clay soils. It is sometimes grown as a garden plant because of its distinctive appearance. It is native to western, central and southern parts of Europe occurring north to Sweden, Denmark and parts of Scotland where it reaches 58° N. It is also found in north-west Africa, the Azores, Madeira and parts of the Middle East. Mature plants reach roughly 1-1.5 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, carrying evergreen foliage. In the garden it prefers full sun and partial shade and most soil types. It tolerates soil of any pH, poorly-drained, moist but well-drained conditions and east-facing, north-facing, south-facing and west-facing aspects.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Carex pendula

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

Clay, Loam, Chalk, Sand

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Soil moisture

Poorly-drained, Moist but well-drained

Aspect

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

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness

H5

Plant details

Carex pendula size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Aquatic, Bogs, Grass Like

Habit

Clump forming, Tufted

Foliage

Evergreen

Height

1-1.5 metres

Spread

0.5-1 metres

Time to full height

2-5 years

Suggested uses

City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Low Maintenance, Flower borders and beds, Garden edging, Wildlife gardens

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Carex pendula

Propagation

Division in mid spring to early summer, Division in spring, Seed sown in containers in a cold frame in spring, Seed sown in autumn

Pest resistance

Aphids

Disease resistance

Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions