Overview
Carex testacea is a clump forming grass like in the genus Carex, part of the Cyperaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Carex testacea grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. It is low maintenance. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, coastal, cottage and informal garden, gravel garden, patio and container plants, low maintenance, flower borders and beds, garden edging and wildlife gardens. It is native to New Zealand North and New Zealand South.
About
Carex testacea, the orange New Zealand sedge, is a species of flowering plant in the family Cyperaceae, native to New Zealand. Prized for its colourful foliage, which provides both summer and winter interest, it is widely available commercially.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Carex testacea
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
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Carex
- 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
- South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Carex testacea size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Grass Like
- Habit
- Clump forming
- 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, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Low Maintenance, Flower borders and beds, Garden edging, Wildlife gardens
- Native to
- New Zealand North, New Zealand South
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Carex testacea
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist but well-drained soil and can tolerate a range of soil types and pH levels. Thrives in full sun to partial shade. Suitable for sheltered locations.
- Pruning
- Cut back old foliage in late winter or early spring to encourage fresh growth.
- Propagation
- Division in mid spring to early summer, Division in spring, Seed sown in containers in a cold frame in spring, Seed sown in autumn
- Pest resistance
- Aphids
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Carex testacea?
Prefers moist but well-drained soil and can tolerate a range of soil types and pH levels. Thrives in full sun to partial shade. Suitable for sheltered locations.
Where is the best place to plant Carex testacea?
Carex testacea prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Carex testacea need?
Carex testacea is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
How do I prune Carex testacea?
Cut back old foliage in late winter or early spring to encourage fresh growth.
How big does Carex testacea grow?
Carex testacea reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Carex testacea hardy in the UK?
Carex testacea has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Carex testacea?
Division in mid spring to early summer, Division in spring, Seed sown in containers in a cold frame in spring, Seed sown in autumn.