Carex dipsacea
teasel sedge
An evergreen sedge forming dense clumps, to 75cm tall, of hair-like, olive-green leaves. In winter, the foliage takes on orange, yellow and bronze tints - especially when grown in full sun. In summer, flower stems shorter than the leaves bear between four and eight black flower spikes up to 2.5cm long
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Poorly–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Black | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green Bronze Orange Yellow |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Cyperaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming, Columnar upright
- Genus
Carex can be deciduous or evergreen, rhizomatous or tufted perennials, with triangular stems bearing linear or strap-shaped leaves and short or long spikes of tiny green or brown flowers
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- New Zealand
How to grow
Cultivation
Prefers moist conditions in sun or part shade. Ideal for a bog or rock garden
Propagation
Propagate by seed, sown in containers in a cold frame in spring or by division in early summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Architectural
- City and courtyard gardens
- Patio and container plants
- Rock garden
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
Comb, rake out or cut back any dead leaves and flowers in spring
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be affected by a rust
Get involved
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