About
Carex petriei is a compact, evergreen perennial sedge that forms dense clumps reaching about 25 cm in height. Its leaves, which can grow up to 30 cm long, are pale pinkish-brown and feature curled tips, exhibiting an upright or arching growth habit. In early to midsummer, this plant produces red-brown flower spikes on stems that rise to around 25 cm, nestled among the foliage.
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, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
- Plant type
- Grass Like
- Habit
- Clump forming, Tufted
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 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
- Native to
- New Zealand
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in fertile moist but well-drained soil in full sun or part shade in a sheltered position. Avoid extremes of wet or dry. See ornamental grasses cultivation
- Pruning
- Cut out any dead leaves on evergreen species in summer
- Propagation
- Propagate by division in mid spring to early summer
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to aphids
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free