Carex riparia

RHS Plant Profile
greater pond sedge

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greater pond sedge RHS 2002

Other common names

greater bank sedge, hesgen braff-dywysennog

Aquatic Bogs Grass Like
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A vigorously spreading rhizomatous perennial with linear, glaucous green leaves and tall stems bearing stout, erect, dark brown flowering spikes in early summer

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

1-1.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
1-1.5 metres
Max Height
1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam
Moisture
Poorly–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H5

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Cyperaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Tufted
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
Europe to C Asia & S S. Amer.

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, moist or wet soil in sun or partial shade. See pond plants and bog gardens for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in autumn, or by division from mid-spring to early summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Wildlife gardens
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Low Maintenance

Pruning

Cut back after flowering

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids

Diseases

Generally disease-free