Carex paniculata

RHS Plant Profile
greater tussock sedge

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Other common names

hassock grass, hesgen rafunog fwyaf, panicled sedge

Grass Like
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A tall wetland sedge which grows upwards to develop a 'trunk', giving the appearance of a very short weeping tree. It may eventually reach 1.5m and has long arching leaves which are evergreen except in the coldest weather. Inconspicuous flower spikes develop in summer

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, 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

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

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–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)
H7

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Cyperaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Semi evergreen
Habit
Clump forming, 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
Eur. to Cauc. & Macaronesia

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in permanently wet soil or shallow water, in good light

Propagation

Propagate by seed, or by division in early summer

Pruning

No pruning required, though old leaves from the base can be cleared if desired

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free