Bird's foot sedge Carex ornithopoda 'Variegata' 5-10 pot P9

Size: Potmaat leidend

5-10cm

|

Pot 9x9 cm (P9)

|

In stock up to and including 22/12/2024

Number of m2

Nr. of plants

3.35

3.35 per piece

incl. VAT, excl. shipping costs (calculated in shopping cart)

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Nr. of plants

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2+ £3.70

6+ -2.7% £3.60

12+ -5.4% £3.50

24+ -8.1% £3.40

96+ -9.5% £3.35

Benefits according to our specialist

Evergreen
Easy to grow
Decorative foliage

Plant features
Description
Planting and care
Packaging and shipping

Genus
Carex (view all varieties)

Root type
Pot

Pot size
9x9 cm (P9)

Flowering months
May, June, July

Leaf colour
Green

Possibilities
Border, Group planting, Planter, Edge planting

Soil type
All soil types, well-drained

Positioning
Semi-shade, Shade

Winter hardiness
-15,0°C / -9,4°C, USDA zone 7b/8a

Fruit-bearing plants
No

Water needs
Average water

Number of plants per m²
9

Evergreen plants
Yes

Leaf colour
Green, White

Fragrant plants
No

Growth habit
Clump-forming growth habit

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
5-10

Mature height (cm)
30

Art. no.
1000211

Description

Carex ornithopoda 'Variegata' | Bird's foot sedge

The Carex ornithopoda 'Variegata', commonly known as the bird's foot sedge, is an ornamental grass cherished for its distinct variegated foliage and clump-forming growth habit. This sedge is a superb choice for adding texture and color to borders, group plantings, and as a delicate edging for pathways. The variegated green and white leaves maintain their appeal throughout all seasons, rendering the plant an evergreen staple in any garden.

Key Features

Some of the key attributes of the Carex ornithopoda 'Variegata' include:

Its evergreen nature ensures a year-round display of vibrant green and white foliage, which remains variegated from spring through winter.
The plant flourishes in partial shade to shade, making it an excellent selection for those more challenging spots in the garden.
It has a modest ultimate height of about 30 cm, which allows it to fit perfectly into smaller spaces or as a lower tier in plant compositions.
The bird's foot sedge is not known for its flowers, which are inconspicuous, but rather for the texture and variety its foliage brings to the landscape.
It has an average water need, which means it thrives with consistent moisture but does not require excessive watering.
The plant is suitable for potting, which allows flexibility in its placement within the garden or on patios.
While drought resistance is not a strong suit, its adaptability to a range of well-drained soil types is notable.

Tips

Propagation of the Carex ornithopoda 'Variegata' is best done through division, ideally in spring or autumn. This not only revitalizes the plant but also helps to maintain its compact growth form.
When planting, ensure the soil is well-drained to prevent waterlogging, which could adversely affect the plant's health.
Mulching around the base of the sedge can help retain soil moisture and suppress weed growth, contributing to the plant's overall vitality.

Ideal placement of a Carex ornithopoda 'Variegata'

For optimal growth, this species flourishes in locations that offer partial shade to full shade, ensuring the variegated foliage maintains its distinctive coloration without the risk of scorch from intense sunlight. It is adaptable to a variety of soil conditions, provided the soil is well-drained. The plant's average water needs signify that while it can tolerate some dry spells, consistent moisture will support its lush, clump-forming habit, making it a charming addition to any border or planter arrangement. Being evergreen, it offers year-round visual interest with minimal maintenance requirements.

How do I plant a Carex ornithopoda 'Variegata'?

To plant Carex ornithopoda 'Variegata', select a location that offers partial shade to full shade to accommodate its growth preferences. The soil should be well-drained, yet this species is adaptable to a variety of soil types. Planting can be done throughout the growing season, avoiding times of frost. When removing the plant from its pot, be gentle to minimize root disturbance. Place it in a hole that is twice the width of the root ball, ensuring that the crown of the plant is level with the soil surface. Backfill with soil, press down firmly, and water thoroughly to establish. Regular watering is essential for the plant to thrive, especially until it is fully established.

Pruning a Carex ornithopoda 'Variegata'

Carex ornithopoda 'Variegata' benefits from a light trim to remove old foliage and encourage fresh growth. Pruning should be carried out in early spring, just before new shoots appear. With its clump-forming growth habit, simply comb through the foliage with your fingers or use scissors to cut away any brown tips or dead leaves. This gentle approach allows the variegated leaves to maintain their vibrant green and white colors throughout the seasons, ensuring the plant remains an attractive feature in borders or planters.

Watering a Carex ornithopoda 'Variegata'

Carex ornithopoda 'Variegata' thrives with consistent moisture, especially when grown in pots, which can dry out more rapidly than garden soil. Watering should be done when the top layer of soil feels dry to the touch. It is crucial to avoid overwatering, as this species requires well-drained soil to prevent root rot. During the growing season, maintain an average watering schedule, tapering off as the plant goes dormant in winter, if applicable to your climate. The evergreen foliage will benefit from the soil being kept slightly moist but never waterlogged.

Fertilising a Carex ornithopoda 'Variegata'

To maintain the striking variegated foliage of Carex ornithopoda 'Variegata', a balanced fertilization approach is key. This evergreen species benefits from a light application of a general-purpose, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as the growth season commences. The gradual release of nutrients aligns with the plant's natural growth cycle, promoting lush, vibrant leaves without overwhelming the plant. Since this sedge thrives in well-drained soil, ensure that the fertilizer is well incorporated into the soil to prevent runoff and optimize nutrient absorption. An additional feeding in mid-summer can help sustain the plant's vigor as it continues to display its decorative green and white foliage throughout the season. Avoid over-fertilization to maintain the health and compact form of the clumps.

The characteristics of a Carex ornithopoda 'Variegata'

Carex ornithopoda 'Variegata' offers a lush, textured addition to any garden space with its striking variegated foliage that provides visual interest throughout the growing season. This ornamental grass thrives in a variety of conditions and is particularly effective in shaded areas where many plants may not flourish. Its compact size makes it an excellent choice for container gardening, adding elegance to patios and balconies without overwhelming the space.

Separating/dividing a Carex ornithopoda 'Variegata'

To propagate Carex ornithopoda 'Variegata', division is a preferred method, promoting robust growth and ensuring the vitality of the clumps. The process is straightforward: the evergreen sedge should be lifted from the earth and separated into smaller sections, which are then replanted. Carry out this task during the cooler temperatures of spring or autumn to minimize stress on the plants. Through division, gardeners can rejuvenate older plants and help maintain the variegated foliage's vibrant pattern of green and white throughout the seasons.

What will be the height of Carex ornithopoda 'Variegata'?

Carex ornithopoda 'Variegata' typically grows to a height ranging from 10 to 50 centimeters.

What will be the width of Carex ornithopoda 'Variegata'?

Carex ornithopoda 'Variegata' will reach a maximum spread of 10 centimeters to 50 centimeters when fully mature.

Which soil type is most suitable for the Carex ornithopoda 'Variegata'?

Carex ornithopoda 'Variegata' can thrive in various soil types as long as the soil is well-drained. This ensures that the plant is not waterlogged, promoting healthy growth and development.

What is the ideal positioning for the Carex ornithopoda 'Variegata'?

The optimal location for Carex ornithopoda 'Variegata' is a place with partial shade or in a shaded area. This plant thrives in environments where direct sunlight is limited, such as under the canopy of larger plants or in areas with reduced light exposure.

What is the flowering colour of the Carex ornithopoda 'Variegata'?

The flowers of Carex ornithopoda 'Variegata' exhibit a subtle green hue during their blooming period.

Is the Carex ornithopoda 'Variegata' hardy?

Carex ornithopoda 'Variegata' exhibits winter hardiness, capable of withstanding temperatures between -15.0°C and -9.4°C, corresponding to USDA zones 7b/8a. This resilience allows the Carex ornithopoda 'Variegata' to endure winter conditions within these zones without significant challenges.

Is the Carex ornithopoda 'Variegata' evergreen?

Indeed, Carex ornithopoda 'Variegata' is an evergreen plant. Its foliage remains green and vibrant throughout the year, providing an enduring touch of greenery to your landscape.

What is the growth strength of the Carex ornithopoda 'Variegata'?

Carex ornithopoda 'Variegata' typically reaches its mature height over a period of two to five years, indicating a moderately swift growth rate.

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