Carex testacea 'Prairie Fire'

RHS Plant Profile
orange New Zealand sedge 'Prairie Fire'

Synonyms

Carex 'Prairie Fire'

Grass Like Herbaceous Perennial

A dense, tufted, evergreen perennial grass with narrow bright green strap-like leaves tipped with bright orange. The foliage turns a darker orange in the autumn with brown flower spikes appearing in the summer. A versatile grass providing colour and interest througout the year.

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Cyperaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Tufted, Bushy
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

Easy to grow in most well-drained fertile soils. Will not tolerate excessive winter wet and avoid extremes of wet and dry

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

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Architectural
  • Patio and container plants
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

If required, can be cut back by half from April to July. Do not prune in autumn or winter

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free