Carex grayi

RHS Plant Profile
mace sedge

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mace sedge RHS
Aquatic Bogs Grass Like
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A deciduous, grass-like, tufted perennial forming strong, erect clumps of rich green leaves to 60cm long. Mid-green flower spikes on 60cm stems appear all summer, followed by spiky, pale green seedheads

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

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

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam
Moisture
Poorly–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

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

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Cyperaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
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
E N America

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in moisture-retentive soil, can be grown as a marginal or bog plant in sun or light shade. See pond plants and bog gardens for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in autumn, or by division from mid-spring to early summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Low Maintenance
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Cut back in the autumn as the foliage fades

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids

Diseases

Generally disease-free but may be susceptible to a rust