carex
( KAY - reks )
At-A-Glance InformationThis large genus of grasses, also known as Sedge, are commonly grown as foliage effect for borders, rock gardens, containers, and even water gardens. In addition, they are useful as groundcovers and for erosion control. They need full sun to partial shade, and have varying water needs depending on the species grown. These grasses are mainly evergreen, and can take on bronze tones in cooler temperatures.
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carex Species and Varietals
The best growing zones for these grasses vary depending on the species. For more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
Carex barbarae (Santa Barbara Sedge) This species grows well in zones 4-9 and 14-24, and is native to coastal areas in Oregon and southern California. Leaves are green, and form a clump about 1-3 feet tall. Great for covering large, damp swaths of land and used for erosion control. Spreads more the more water it receives; supply moderate amounts of water. |
Carex divulsa This species is best in zones 2b-9 and 11-24 and is a popularly grown selection from Europe. Leaves are dark and green, forming clumps 1.5 feet tall and 2 feet wide. Flowers are greenish, appearing on spikes in wintertime through spring. Great as a groundcover, and competes well with surface roots of trees and shrubs. Great with moderate water and full sun or shade. Requires more irrigation in warm areas. |
Carex flacca (Carex glauca) (Blue Sedge) This species is best in zones 3-9 and 14-24, and is native to Europe. This blue-grey creeping grass reaches between 6 inches and 2 feet tall and wide, and is evergreen (except in the coldest climates). Spreads slowly, and can be used as a lawn, in between stepping stones, and as filler. Can tolerate many soils and does best with moderate water. |
Carex morrowii (Japanese Sedge) Native to Japan, this species is best in zones 3-9 and 14-24, and reaches a foot tall and a little wider. Foliage is medium green. Great for edging or planting in rock gardens, also good amongst stepping stones. Needs regular water. Varieties include 'Goldband' (with creamy margins), 'Fisher's Form' (with leaf margins in cream-yellow), and 'Variegata' (with white-edged foliage). |
Carex muskingumensis (Palm Sedge) Native to North America, best in zones 4-9 and 14-24. Not commonly grown, this Sedge grows to 2 feet tall and spreads widely by rhizomes. Green leaves radiate from stems, and foliage turns copper before going dormant in wintertime. This species needs regular water. Varieties include 'Little Midge' (to 10 inches tall), 'Oehme' (pictured; solid-green foliage that develops a gold margin with maturity). |
Carex pansa (California Meadow Sedge) Native to California, this Sedge is best in zones 7-9 and 11-24, and forms a dark green mat 6-8 inches tall. Moderately tolerant of foot traffic, this species is great as a lawn alternative, in meadows, in between pavers, and as accents in rock gardens. Needs moderate water when established, and is sensitive to overwatering. |
Carex phyllocephala 'Sparkler' (Sparkler Palm Sedge) Best in zones 4-9, 14-19 and 22, and is a variety of a Chinese species. To 1-2 feet tall and slowly spreading, reddish-purple stems are topped with spiraling dark green leaves with white variegation. Goes dormant in wintertime. Great as a groundcover or in containers, and leaves can be used in cut flower arrangements. Great for shaded border areas and performs best with some winter chill. Needs regular water. |
Carex spissa (San Diego Sedge) Best in zones 7-9, 14-17, and 19-24. Likes boggy conditions; native to Southern California. This species forms a slowly spreading clump of silvery grey upright foliage 3-4 feet tall. Flowers are light gold-brown and bloom in clusters in spring. Needs ample water, and can even grow in standing water. |
Carex testacea Native to New Zealand, this species grows well in zones 4-9 and 14-24. Clumps have an arching habit, and are olive-green and orange, depending on how much sun or shade the plant gets. Can self-seed and spread in moist locations. Needs moderate water to regular water, and is often short-lived. |
Carex texensis (Carex retroflexa texensis) (Catlin Sedge) Zones 7-9 and 11-24, native to the southwestern United States; Leaves are medium green and drooping, forming a wavy carpet of foliage. Great as a small-scale lawn or groundcover, and is used in grass mixes. Trim to remove seed heads to discourage reseeding. Needs partial to full shade and regular water. |
Caring for blechnum
These ferns dislike being watered from above, especially when air is humid or still.
Propagation
Divide old clumps in springtime.
Problems and Pests
Gallery
Videos
A video all about growing camellias successfully
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Propagating camellias
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Pages 221 - 222, Carex
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