Carex | Heijnen Plants

50cm

Carex buchananii Leatherleaf sedge

5-10cm

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40cm

Carex caryophyllea 'The Beatles' Iron grass

5-10cm

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Carex morrowii Japanese sedge

3^80From

Carex morrowii 'Ice Dance' Sedge

3^80From

40cm

Carex morrowii 'Variegata' Morrow's sedge

5-10cm

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70cm

Carex muskingumensis Muskingum sedge

5-10cm

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30cm

Carex ornithopoda 'Variegata' Bird's foot sedge

5-10cm

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Carex oshimensis 'Evergold' Japanese sedge

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100cm

Carex pendula Pendulous sedge

5-10cm

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Carex testacea 'Prairie Fire' Orange New Zealand sedge

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45cm

Carex comans 'Frosted Curls' Sedge

5-10cm

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Carex foliosissima 'Irish Green' Morrow's sedge

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60cm

Carex grayi Mace sedge

5-10cm

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30cm

Carex morrowii 'Goldband' Japanese sedge

5-10cm

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30cm

Carex ornithopoda 'Silver Sceptre' Bird's foot sedge

5-10cm

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Buy Carex

Carex, commonly referred to as sedge, encompasses a diverse genus of grass-like plants known for their ornamental foliage and adaptability to a variety of garden settings. Found thriving in a multitude of habitats, the sedge species are incredibly versatile, making them an ideal choice for gardeners looking to add texture and color to their landscape design. With an array of foliage colors that remain vibrant through all seasons, these hardy plants can serve as a striking addition to borders, as group plantings or edge plantings, and are equally effective when planted solitarily or as underplanting in a garden arrangement.

Key Features

Carex plants are celebrated for their distinctive foliage that comes in a spectrum of colors including brown, orange, green, grey, silver, variegated, white, cream, and yellow. These colors persist throughout the year, transitioning with the seasons to offer a continuously evolving display. Flowering from April to August, Carex produces subtle inflorescences in hues of green, brown, red, and yellow, adding an understated elegance to its grassy clumps.

The sedge genus is appreciated for its adaptability to a wide range of soil types, provided they are well-drained. They can flourish under full sun, partial shade, or even in shaded areas, allowing for diverse placement in any garden. Moreover, these plants have average water needs and are not drought-resistant, necessitating regular watering schedules.

In terms of use, Carex can enhance the visual appeal of garden borders, complement planters with their cascading foliage, and serve as an eye-catching solitary feature or as part of a group planting scheme. Their fruit, which becomes visible in the summer and turns green in the autumn, further contributes to the ornamental value of these plants.

Tips

To maintain the vigor and health of your Carex plants, consider propagating them through division in spring or autumn. This process not only stimulates new growth but also helps to prevent overcrowding and ensures the longevity of the plants. When dividing, ensure each part has a good root system and replant them at appropriate distances to allow for adequate growth.

As Carex is not drought-resistant, it is essential to provide consistent watering, especially during dry spells, to keep the soil moist. Avoid overwatering, as sedge prefers well-drained soil to prevent root rot.

When integrating Carex into your garden, be mindful of its growth habit and plant it in areas where it can either spread naturally or be contained if desired. The evergreen, deciduous, or semi-evergreen nature of Carex species means that some will retain their foliage year-round while others may die back and re-emerge with fresh growth in the spring.

Carex is a low-maintenance genus that can bring life and color to your garden throughout the year. With its easy care and stunning foliage, it's an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners alike.

Types

Embrace the understated elegance of the sedge species, a versatile group of perennials that bring a touch of verdant sophistication to any landscape. From the lush, deep hues of the 'Irish Green' to the variegated, frosty stripes of 'Ice Dance', and the striking golden variegation of 'Evergold', these Carex varieties offer texture, color, and year-round interest to gardens and outdoor spaces.

The Carex foliosissima 'Irish Green', also known as Morrow's sedge, is a lush, ornamental grass that thrives in a variety of garden settings. Renowned for its vibrant, deep green foliage, this cultivar adds a touch of elegance to any landscape. Blooming in late spring to early summer, it displays subtle inflorescences in shades of brown and yellow, which contribute to its visual interest without overshadowing its verdant leaves. This sedge is an ideal selection for those seeking to create a serene and natural aesthetic.
The Carex morrowii 'Ice Dance' is a variegated sedge that introduces a striking contrast to garden compositions with its green and white striped foliage. Flourishing in the cool days of April and May, it produces delicate spikes of yellow flowers that complement its decorative leaves. Perfect for border edgings or as ground cover, 'Ice Dance' is a hardy perennial that provides year-round interest, proving to be a valuable addition to any landscape design.
The Carex oshimensis 'Evergold', commonly referred to as the Japanese sedge, is a striking ornamental grass that captures attention with its variegated gold and green foliage. Although it does not boast flamboyant flowers, its subtle brown and green inflorescences during the months of May to July add a modest charm to its display. This cultivar is particularly well-suited for adding a splash of color to shaded garden areas or for creating elegant, low-maintenance ground cover.

Ideal placement of a Carex

This species thrives in a variety of locations, from full sun to full shade, making it a versatile choice for gardeners. Despite its adaptability, it flourishes best when provided with a well-drained soil environment. While tolerant of different soil types, ensuring proper drainage will promote optimal health and growth. The average water needs of this plant indicate that it should receive consistent moisture, but care should be taken to avoid overwatering. Its diverse foliage colors make it a striking addition to any setting, whether used as a border accent or as a solitary focal point.

Planting a Carex

For successful establishment, Carex should be planted in well-drained soil, though it will flourish in a diverse range of soil types. This versatility allows it to adapt to various garden designs, from borders to solitary displays. It thrives under full sun to full shade, making it an excellent choice for areas where other plants might struggle. When planting, ensure there is ample space for the sedge to spread its roots. Water moderately post planting to encourage root development. To promote vigorous growth and maintain plant health, division is recommended during the more temperate months of spring or autumn.

Fertilising a Carex

To maintain the vibrant foliage and support the growth of Carex, fertilization should be considered a key aspect of its care. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied in early spring can promote healthy, lush growth as the growing season commences. This genus, with its diverse array of foliage colors, benefits from the sustained nutrient release, which should coincide with the onset of active growth.

Additional feeding is not typically necessary, given the species' moderate nutritional needs. However, if the growth appears lackluster or the foliage color is not as vibrant as expected, a second application of fertilizer may be applied in mid-summer to rejuvenate the plant and ensure it sustains its vigor throughout the flowering and growing months. Always ensure that the soil remains well-drained and avoid over-fertilization to prevent potential root damage.

Pruning a Carex

Pruning is a minimal requirement for maintaining the vitality and neat appearance of Carex. Trim back the foliage in early spring to remove old, brown leaves and encourage fresh growth. When cutting, simply shape the plant by removing only the tips of dead or unsightly foliage. This gentle approach preserves the plant's natural form and ensures a lush, full appearance throughout the growing season. Regular removal of spent flower stems can also be beneficial, helping to direct the plant's energy into producing vibrant, healthy foliage.

Watering a Carex

The diverse species within the Carex genus generally have moderate water requirements. To ensure healthy growth and maintain the vibrant foliage colors, it is vital to establish a consistent watering schedule. The soil should be kept evenly moist but not waterlogged, as well-drained conditions are ideal. During periods of high heat or less rainfall, increase the frequency of watering to compensate for the additional moisture loss. Conversely, in cooler or wetter climates, reduce watering to prevent oversaturation of the soil. Monitoring the soil moisture regularly will aid in providing the correct amount of water to support the plant's needs.

The characteristics of a Carex

Carex species are notable for their adaptability to various soil types, making them versatile choices for landscape design. Their fibrous root systems can help in soil stabilization, especially on slopes or in areas prone to erosion. These hardy plants can provide year-round interest with their evergreen foliage, and the textural contrast they offer is excellent for creating depth in garden compositions. Additionally, their graceful, arching leaves sway beautifully in the breeze, adding movement to serene garden settings.

Separating/dividing a Carex

For healthy proliferation and rejuvenation, division of Carex species is recommended. This process should take place preferably in the cooler months of spring or autumn. Begin by carefully removing the sedge from its location, ensuring that the root ball is intact. Once extracted, divide the clump into smaller sections, each with a sufficient number of roots and shoots. Replant these divisions promptly, ensuring they are placed in well-drained soil and adequately spaced to accommodate future growth. Regular division helps maintain the vigor and aesthetic appeal of these versatile plants.

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