Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Brown Green Red | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Black Brown | Brown Green Red | ||
| Autumn | Brown Green Red | |||
| Winter | Brown Green Red |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Cyperaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- 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
- New Zealand
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in any moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil. Intolerant of full sun on poor dry soil but will tolerate full sun if soil is constantly moist
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in containers in a warm glass house in spring or by division in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Architectural
- City and courtyard gardens
- Rock garden
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Remove dead foliage and old flowered stems in spring
Pests
Generally pest-free
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.