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Grass LikeSynonym

Carex nigra 'Variegata'

Slowly spreading, clump-forming, evergreen perennial sedge, about 45cm tall, producing creeping mounds of grey-green foliage narrowly margined creamy-yellow. Bears purplish-black flower spikes, early to late summer

Synonyms
Carex nigra 'Variegata'
Carex nigra variegated
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Grey Silver Green Cream
Summer Purple Black Grey Silver Green Cream
Autumn Grey Silver Green Cream
Winter Grey Silver Green Cream
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Cyperaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
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

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in fertile moist but well-drained soil, boggy soil or by water, best in full sun. Suitable as ground cover, especially in wet areas and coastal situations See ornamental grasses cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by division in mid spring to early summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Ground cover
Pruning

Cut out any dead leaves on evergreen species in summer

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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