About
Carex sylvatica is an evergreen perennial that forms dense clumps with long, strap-like leaves that are glossy green. In the summer, it produces arching flower stems that are yellow-green. This plant thrives in moist or boggy locations within the garden.
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
- East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
- Plant type
- Grass Like, Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming, Tufted
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, poorly-drained soil in sun or partial shade. Grows well at the edge of ponds or streams
- Pruning
- If required, can be cut back by half from April to July. Do not prune in autumn or winter
- Propagation
- Propagate by division in spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free