Ficinia truncata

RHS Plant Profile
truncate ficinia

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Grass Like

A tender, evergreen perennial sedge with short rhizomes, forming a low mound of grass-like foliage to 10cm tall. In summer, taller stems bear inconspicuous clusters of brown flowers. Best grown in a container so that it can be moved to a cool greenhouse during winter

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

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

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

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
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)
H2

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Cyperaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Clump forming
Genus
Ficinia are a genus of around 70 species of tufted or rhizomatous, decorative sedges and are common to Africa, Australia and New Zealand. The slim green grasslike foliage may be edged with white and some produce inconspicuous brown flowers in the summer
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Cape Province

How to Grow

Cultivation

Under glass, grow in humus-rich, moist compost in full light. In summer, water freely and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser 3 or 4 times; reduce water in autumn but do not allow to dry out, and protect from frost

Propagation

Propagate by sowing seed at 21°C in early spring, or by division in spring or autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Patio and container plants
  • Conservatory and greenhouse

Pruning

Trim off old flower stalks

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free