About
Carex punicea is a perennial sedge that forms dense tufts and reaches a height of up to 30 cm. Its foliage consists of glossy leaves that exhibit shades of reddish-green or red-brown. In the summer, it produces flower spikes that range in color from dark brown to black.
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
- North-facing, East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H3
Plant details
- Plant type
- Grass Like
- Habit
- Tufted
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Architectural, City and courtyard gardens, Rock garden
- Native to
- New Zealand
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in any moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil. Intolerant of full sun on poor dry soil but will tolerate full sun if soil is constantly moist
- Pruning
- Remove dead foliage and old flowered stems in spring
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed sown in containers in a warm glass house in spring or by division in spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free