Overview
Carex vesicaria is a clump forming, tufted grass in the genus Carex, part of the Cyperaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Carex vesicaria grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam and sand soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, patio and container plants, rock garden, low maintenance and flower borders and beds.
About
Carex vesicaria, commonly known as bladder sedge, is an evergreen, clump-forming grass within the Carex genus. This tufted perennial features the characteristic triangular stems and strap-like foliage typical of Carex species. It thrives in a variety of soil types, including loam and sand, and tolerates a range of pH levels from acid to alkaline. Suitable for both exposed and sheltered positions, it grows well in full sun or partial shade and is hardy to UK zone H7. Carex vesicaria is ideal for use in city gardens, patios, rock gardens, and informal flower borders, providing winter interest and requiring low maintenance.
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
- 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
Carex vesicaria size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Grass
- Habit
- Clump forming, Tufted
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden, Low Maintenance, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Carex vesicaria
- Propagation
- Division in spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Carex vesicaria?
Carex vesicaria prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Carex vesicaria need?
Carex vesicaria grows best in loam and sand soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to poorly-drained.
Is Carex vesicaria hardy in the UK?
Carex vesicaria has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Carex vesicaria?
Division in spring.