Carex

Many are valuable evergreen foliage plants, others subtle flowering types. Contrary to popular myth there are Carex for all soil types, from shallow water to pure sand!

Carex are not true grasses but are a genus in the Family Cyperaceae.  The easiest (but not foolproof) way to tell them from true grasses is that most members of the Cyperaceae have flower stems with a more-or-less triangular cross-section.  Most true grasses have flower stems with a round, hollow, cross section.

Many Carex are used as evergreen groundcover or edging plants and many of the low growing, variegated forms originate in Japan where they have been used alongside Ophiopogon and Liriope in traditional Japanese gardens.  There are also numerous fresh to deep green leafed forms, including British native species, that can fulfil a similar roll.

At the other end of the spectrum there are the mostly brown leafed species and forms from New Zealand.  These will mostly need full sun but can take quite moist through to fairly dry soils.  The limiting factor with most of these "dead sedges" with their evergreen (brown) leaves is that they are vulnerable to extreme cold in winter with many only hardy to -10oC.

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Carex flagellifera green form

Carex flagellifera green form£7.20

A lovely rich green form of this robust New Zealand sedge. Dense clumps of arching foliage make attractive additions to the front of borders or gravel gardens. 40cm tall x up to 1m across. Good soil in sun.


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Carex muskingumensis 'Silberstreif'

Carex muskingumensis 'Silberstreif'£5.00

A sparkling creamy white variegated form of the Palm Sedge for part shade and decent soil that doesn't dry out too much. Deciduous but retains presence overwinter. 50cm.


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Carex panicea

Carex panicea£5.00

Carnation Sedge. Evergreen glaucous leaves on a shortly creeping plant make an attractive alternative for good to damp soil in sun. Black and pale yellow flowers to 20cm.


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Schoenoplectus lacustris 'Zebrinus'

Schoenoplectus lacustris 'Zebrinus'£5.00

Clumps of stiffly upright leaves with bright white horizontal bands, potentially to 1.8m if wet enough. For pond margins or bog garden.


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