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.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Carex genus
- Carex fraseriFraser's sedge
- Carex morrowii 'Variegata'Variegated Japanese Sedge
- Carex riparia 'Variegata'Variegated greater pond sedge
- Carex stricta 'Bowles' Golden'Tussock Sedge
- Carex trifidamutton-bird sedge
- Carex divulsagrey sedge