Carex

Carex

Sedge

• Position: full sun or partial shade
• Soil: moist, well-drained soil
• Flowering period: May to June
• Height: 0,3-0,6m
• Foliage: evergreen
• Hardiness: fully hardy

Carex is a lovely low-growing grass that requires little maintenance. Many species are native to cool temperate regions and most plants have evergreen foliage.

Although carex produces flowers in summer, visually they are insignificant. The diversity of leaf colour is large, including green, brown, red, orange as well as striking variegated colours.

Varieties

Carex morrowii

Carex morrowii originates from Japan, has fine green leaves, growing to 20-30cm tall. There are also varieties with coloured leaves.

Carex morrowii ‘Ice Dance’

Carex morrowii ‘Ice Dance’ produces striking green leaves with narrow, creamy-white margins. It is an excellent ground cover. Height 25-30cm. Or try Carex m.’Variegata’ with lovely, light green leaves, edged in creamy-white.

Carex oshimensis

Carex oshimensis ‘Evergold’ is also a good choice, especially if you want to brighten up a dark corner. The narrow, arching leaves are dark green with a broad stripe that is creamy-white to creamy-yellow. Small brown spikes appear in May.

Another one to try is Carex oshimensis ‘Everest’ with green leaves with linear white stripes.

Carex morrowii                                         Carex oshimensis ‘Everest’

Carex comans

Carex comans. This graceful sedge comes from New Zealand. The foliage colour varies from pale green, bronze, red-brown. Carex comans ‘Bronze-Leaved’ has rich, bronze-brown leaves and is more or less evergreen.

Carex comans ‘Frosted Curls’

Carex comans ‘Frosted Curls’. With silvery-green leaves curling at the top, it is ideal for planting in a container. All varieties of Carex comans will not tolerate excessive winter wet. So requires good drainage.

Carex comans ‘Bronze-Leaved’               Carex comans ‘Forsted Curls

Pruning

How and when do you prune Carex (sedge grass). Pruning is not necessary. Comb out dead or tired leaves with your fingers in March.

If carex grass has developed many dead leaves during a severe winter, then it can be cut back to 10 à 15cm above the ground in March or April. New fresh growth will appear.

Dividing

How and when should you divide carex. Divide carex in spring, just as the new growth starts to merge. Lift the clump and cut it into smaller pieces with a sturdy knife. Replant the divided parts and water thoroughly.

What plants go well with Carex

Combine carex with Alchemilla mollis, Pachysandra, Bergenia, Heuchera.

Pachysandra terminalis