About
This evergreen perennial forms dense clumps, reaching approximately 25 cm in height. It features upright, mahogany-red leaves that resemble grass. In mid to late summer, it produces narrow spikes of dark brown flowers that can grow up to 15 cm long.
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, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H3
Plant details
- Plant type
- Grass Like
- Habit
- Tufted
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Patio and container plants, Rock garden
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in sun or light shade in moist, but well-drained soil, or in a cold greenhouse in colder and northern areas of the UK
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate by division between late spring and midsummer
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free