Carex acuta 'Variegata' (v)

RHS Plant Profile

variegated slender-tufted sedge

Synonyms

Carex riparia 'Variegata'

Grass Like Herbaceous Perennial

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A clump-forming, deciduous perennial with strap-shaped, aromatic variegated cream foliage with dark green edges. Tall spikes of dark brown flowers appear above the foliage from late spring into summer. Ideal for a damp or boggy area of the garden

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity: 2–5 years
Max Spread: 0.5-1 metres
Max Height: 0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

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): H4

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Foliage

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Cyperaceae
Native to GB/Ireland: No
Foliage: Deciduous
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: Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Prefers moist, poorly-drained soil in sun or partial shade. Grows well at the edge of ponds or streams. May have the potential to become a nuisance if not kept in check

Propagation

Propagate by division in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Cottage and informal garden
Flower borders and beds

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free