Carex dipsacea 'Dark Horse'
sedge 'Dark Horse'
Dense, clump-forming, evergreen perennial 60-75cm tall, with foliage in shades of bronze and olive-green, tinted pink and becoming darker, flushed deep bronze-red, in winter. Carries semi-trailing black flower spikes within the foliage, during summer
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 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 | Pink Bronze Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Black | Pink Bronze Green | ||
| Autumn | Pink Bronze Green | |||
| Winter | Bronze Green Orange Red |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Cyperaceae
- Native to the UK
- 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
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Best in a sheltered position, in moist but well-drained soil in sun or part shade. See ornamental grasses cultivation
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
- Architectural
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Coastal
- Gravel garden
- Patio and container plants
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Comb, rake out or cut back any dead leaves and flowers in spring
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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