About
Carex secta is a robust, evergreen perennial sedge that forms dense clumps. Young specimens typically grow to around 60 cm, while mature plants can develop thick, trunk-like bases reaching up to 1.2 meters. This species produces cascading clusters of vibrant green foliage, accompanied by pale brown flower spikes that appear in early summer.
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, Poorly-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
- Plant type
- 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
- Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grows in a range of soils that retain moisture, in fertile moist but well-drained soil in full sun or part shade or in wet soils. Ideal for growing along pond margins. See ornamental grasses cultivation and bog gardening
- Pruning
- Cut out any dead leaves on evergreen species in summer
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed in early spring or by division in mid spring to early summer
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to aphids
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free