Overview

Carex riparia 'Variegata' is a grass in the genus Carex, part of the Cyperaceae family. It typically grows around 1.5 m tall. Carex riparia 'Variegata' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include borders, water gardens and margins of ponds. It is native to Europe and Asia.

About

Carex riparia 'Variegata' is a tall sedge cultivar prized for its variegated foliage. It typically grows to around 1.5 m and favours full sun in moist or wet soils. Flowering occurs in the UK from May to July. Use it at pond edges and in water gardens where its foliage will be visible.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Carex riparia

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

In the garden

Carex riparia 'Variegata' is a cultivar of the greater pond sedge (family Cyperaceae), originating from species native to Europe and Asia. As a cultivated form of Carex riparia it is selected for striped or variegated leaves rather than floral display, and is treated as an ornamental grass in gardens. Plant where it will receive full sun and where the soil stays moist; it tolerates sandy, loamy or clay soils so long as conditions are wet or at least moist rather than dry. Allow for a mature height of roughly 1.5 m when placing it at the margin of a pond or in a damp border. In UK terms it is H7 — fully hardy — and will survive outdoor winter conditions without special protection; it also falls within USDA zones 5–9. Expect flowers between May and July, though the variegated leaves are the principal reason gardeners choose this cultivar. It suits water gardens, the edges of ponds and damp borders where a tall, variegated-leaved grass-like plant is required; position it so the foliage faces the lawn or path to show the striping to best effect.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Carex

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil type

Sandy, Loamy, Clay

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained, Wet

UK hardiness

H7

Plant details

Carex riparia 'Variegata' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Grass

Height

1.5 m

Suggested uses

Borders, Water gardens, Margins of ponds

Native to

Europe, Asia

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Carex riparia 'Variegata'

Cultivation

Prefers moist, fertile soil in full sun to partial shade. Tolerates wet conditions well.

Pruning

Cut back old foliage in early spring before new growth appears.

Propagation

Division in spring or autumn.

Frequently asked questions