Sedge (Carex spp.)


Sedge Plant Features

Native to boggy and marshy environments, Carex, commonly called sedge, makes a first-rate foliage plant for moist sites, containers, or water gardens. The plant's stiffly upright, grass-like foliage is available shades of blue-green, bronze, chartreuse, or bi-colors that complement almost any flower that it's planted next to. Many even retain their bright foliage over the winter, providing a much-needed dose of color during the coldest months.. Carex eventually forms a thick clump that is easily dug and divided to make additional plants. The plants grow 6 to 24 inches tall, depending on variety. Hardy from zones 5-9.

Carex Questions?
Email us and one of our perennial experts will get back to you.

Sedge Growing Instructions

Plant carex in a sunny or partially sunny location in rich, organic soil. These plants like their feet wet so keep the soil slightly moist at all times. The plants have almost no insect or disease problems and don't require supplemental fertilizer. Mix carex with other perennials and annuals in pots and planters or use it in a rain garden where water collects after a storm. The plants do produce flowers, but they aren't particularly showy.

This plant not intended for human or animal consumption.

  • Water

    Constantly moist soil

    Medium water needs

    Moist

  • Light

    Outside: Shade

  • Colors

    Blue

    Green

    Variegated

  • Special Features

    Colorful foliage

    Deer/rabbit resistant

    Groundcover

    Super-easy to grow


Complement your Sedge

Sedum
Sedums make perfect partners for sedges. Plus, sedums, like sedges, are available in a variety of heights so you can mix and match them for interesting combinations.


Our favorite varieties

Buchananii Sedge

Buchananii Sedge

Carex buchananii

Prized for its red-brown foliage, buchananii sedge adds color to your winter landscape. The plant grows 1 to 2 feet tall. Hardy in zones 6-9.

New Zealand Sedge

New Zealand Sedge

Carex testacea

Commonly called orange New Zealand sedge, this easy-care perennial starts out green at the base, but by fall the foliage turns bright shades of orange. The plant grows 18 to 24 inches tall. Hardy in zones 6-9.

Everest Sedge

Everest Sedge

Carex oshimensis 'Everest'

Beautiful green-and-white striped leaves make ‘Everest’ sedge a must-have landscape plant. It grows 10 inches tall and looks terrific as a specimen plant or en masse in a low-maintenance border.

Amazon Mist sedge

Amazon Mist sedge

Carex comans 'Amazon Mist'

Amazon Mist is a variety of leatherleaf sedge that offers thin, grassy leaves delightfully frosted in gold at the ends. It grows 36 inches tall and 48 inches wide. Zones 6-9