Overview

Carex stricta 'Bowles' Golden' is a grass in the genus Carex, part of the Cyperaceae family. Carex stricta 'Bowles' Golden' grows best in full sun and part shade, and tolerates moist and well-drained soils. Suggested uses include borders, naturalized areas and wetland gardens. It is native to eastern North America.

About

Carex stricta 'Bowles' Golden' is a grass in the sedge family (Cyperaceae) suited to persistently moist ground. It performs in full sun to part shade and prefers moist, well-drained soils. Flowering occurs from May to July. Recommended uses include borders, naturalised areas and wetland gardens.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Carex stricta

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 stricta 'Bowles' Golden' belongs to the sedge genus Carex and originates from eastern North America. As a cultivar of C. stricta, it is selected for garden planting where damp conditions are present and where a grass-like habit is required within wetland-style schemes. Its natural provenance favours sites where soil remains reliably moist. Place it in full sun or part shade on soil that retains moisture but drains reasonably well; avoid dry, baked ground. Regular access to moisture through rainfall or watering in dry spells helps it maintain vigour during the growing season. No hardiness rating is supplied here, so plant where local conditions keep the rootzone reliably damp. Use Carex stricta 'Bowles' Golden' along moist borders, in naturalised drifts or within wetland garden planting where its May–July flowering window will fall alongside other late spring and early summer interest. Position plants so they form coherent groups rather than isolated specimens, as the cultivar suits massing in areas that remain moist throughout the season.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Carex

Sunlight

full sun, part shade

Soil type

moist, well-drained

Soil moisture

moist

Plant details

Carex stricta 'Bowles' Golden' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Grass

Suggested uses

borders, naturalized areas, wetland gardens

Native to

eastern North America

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Carex stricta 'Bowles' Golden'

Cultivation

Prefers moist soils; tolerates wet conditions; avoid drought

Pruning

Cut back old foliage in early spring

Propagation

Division in spring or fall

Frequently asked questions