About
Carex testacea 'Autumn Gold' is a perennial sedge that forms loose clumps and remains evergreen throughout the year. It typically grows to heights of 60-75 cm or more, featuring arching leaves that range from olive-green to hues of orange, bronze, and gold. These colors become more vibrant during the autumn and winter months, particularly when exposed to full sunlight. In midsummer, this plant produces cylindrical flower spikes that vary in color from pale to dark brown, supported by stems measuring 50-60 cm. After flowering, it develops noticeable dark seedheads that hang gracefully during the fall season.
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, Well-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
- 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
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in any reasonable soil in full sun or part shade, avoiding extremes of wet or dry. See ornamental grasses cultivation
- Pruning
- Cut out any dead leaves on evergreen species in summer
- Propagation
- Propagate by division in mid spring to early summer
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to aphids
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free