Carex flacca

RHS Plant Profile
glaucous sedge
glaucous sedge RHS

Other common names

blue green sedge, carnation grass, flabby sedge, hesgen oleulas wyrgamddail

Grass Like

An evergreen, slowly-creeping sedge, to 45cm tall, with stiff, hair-like leaves which are green above and a glaucous blue beneath. In early summer, 4cm long purple-brown flower spikes are borne on arching stems

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

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

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Drought Resistance
Yes

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Cyperaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
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
Correct
Plant Range
Europe to Pakistan

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grows best in a moisture-retentive, alkaline to neutral soil. Drought-tolerant when established. Can spread so best grown in confined spaces or containers

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

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Rock garden
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Gravel garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Ground cover

Pruning

Comb or rake off any old, tired or dead leaves and flowers in spring

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free