Carex testacea
orange New Zealand sedge
An evergreen New Zealand sedge providing winter and summer interest. A tufted perennial 40-60cm tall, its narrow, arching leaves are olive-green in summer, the colour intensifying to warm coppery-orange in winter. Flowers are brown and insignificant, but their stems droop gracefully as they age
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Brown | Green | ||
| Autumn | Brown Orange | |||
| Winter | Brown Orange |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Cyperaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming
- 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
Easy to grow in most well-drained fertile soils. Will not tolerate excessive winter wet and avoid extremes of wet and dry
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
- Coastal
- Gravel garden
- Patio and container plants
- Prairie planting
- Cottage and informal garden
- Low Maintenance
- Banks and slopes
- Flower borders and beds
- Ground cover
Pruning
In summer cut out any dead leaves
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.