Orange New Zealand sedge Carex testacea 'Prairie Fire' pot

Size: Potmaat leidend

5-10cm

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Pot 9x9 cm (P9)

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In stock up to and including 22/12/2024
- 5-10cm
  
  |
  
  Pot 9x9 cm (P9)
  
  |
  
  From 3.45
  
  |
  
  In stock up to and including 22/12/2024
- 10-15cm
  
  |
  
  Pot 2 ltr. (C2)
  
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  From 9.70
  
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  Temporarily sold out

Number of m2

Nr. of plants

3.45

3.45 per piece

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

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12+ -3.9% £3.65

24+ -6.6% £3.55

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Benefits according to our specialist

Plantable year-round
Evergreen
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
July, August

Leaf colour
Brown, Red

Possibilities
Border, Group planting, Solitary

Soil type
All soil types, well-drained

Positioning
Semi-shade, Sun

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
6

Evergreen plants
Yes

Leaf colour
Green

Fragrant plants
No

Growth habit
Clump-forming growth habit

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

Mature height (cm)
60

Art. no.
1000216

Description

Carex testacea 'Prairie Fire' | Orange New Zealand sedge

The Carex testacea 'Prairie Fire', commonly known as the orange New Zealand sedge, is a captivating ornamental grass that adds a splash of color to any garden. With its fine-textured foliage that transitions from green to a vivid orange, this Carex variety creates a stunning visual impact throughout the year. An evergreen perennial, it maintains its allure across the seasons, making it a versatile choice for gardeners seeking continuous appeal.

Key Features

The Carex plant has an elegant clump-forming growth habit that reaches an ultimate height of around 60 cm, making it an ideal candidate for borders, group plantings, or as a solitary accent.
In the summer months, 'Prairie Fire' produces subtle inflorescences of brown and red, adding an understated yet elegant touch to its colorful foliage.
It thrives in a variety of well-drained soils and can adapt to full sun or partial shade, offering flexibility in garden placement.
The foliage color is a dynamic display of green and orange in the spring and summer, transitioning to a predominantly orange hue in autumn, and retaining green and orange tones through winter.

Tips

To maintain the health and vigor of your Carex testacea 'Prairie Fire', it is advisable to propagate by division every few years. This process, best carried out in spring or autumn, not only rejuvenates the plant but also helps to manage its size and shape.
While the 'Prairie Fire' is not drought-resistant, it does have average water needs. Ensure a consistent watering schedule, particularly during the warmer months, to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
This evergreen sedge is relatively low-maintenance, but removing old foliage in early spring can promote fresh growth and help maintain its neat appearance.

Ideal placement of a Carex testacea 'Prairie Fire'

Carex testacea 'Prairie Fire' flourishes in locations that receive full sun to partial shade. The presence of adequate sunlight is pivotal to bring out the vibrant green and orange hues of its foliage throughout the growing seasons. This species is adaptable to a variety of soil types, provided the soil is well-drained. It is important to ensure that the plant is not left in standing water to prevent root rot. The sedge's evergreen nature and striking coloration make it a versatile choice for borders, group plantings, or as a solitary accent in the landscape.

How do I plant a Carex testacea 'Prairie Fire'?

To ensure successful establishment, plant Carex testacea 'Prairie Fire' in a location that receives full sun to partial shade. This evergreen sedge thrives in a wide variety of well-drained soils. When planting, space the plants adequately to allow for their clump-forming growth habit, which can reach up to 60 cm in height. Initially, maintain an average watering schedule to help the plant establish a robust root system. The unique foliage color transition from green to orange adds year-round interest, making it an ideal choice for borders or as a standout solitary feature in the garden.

Pruning a Carex testacea 'Prairie Fire'

Pruning of Carex testacea 'Prairie Fire' is a simple and minimal task, reflecting its low-maintenance nature. To maintain its vibrant color and neat appearance, it is advisable to comb through the foliage in the spring to remove any dead material. If necessary, a light trim can be given to shape the plant or to remove the tips of any leaves that have suffered winter damage. This evergreen sedge thrives with this basic care, allowing its striking green and orange hues to persist throughout the year.

Watering a Carex testacea 'Prairie Fire'

The Carex testacea 'Prairie Fire' prefers a well-drained soil and requires an average amount of water to thrive. It is vital to establish a consistent watering schedule, particularly during the warmer months, to ensure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering should be avoided, as it may lead to root issues. During the cooler seasons, reduce the frequency of watering as the plant's water needs will decrease. The evergreen foliage of 'Prairie Fire' maintains its vivid color throughout the year, making regular watering a key aspect of preserving its aesthetic appeal and health.

Fertilising a Carex testacea 'Prairie Fire'

To maintain the vibrant coloration and health of Carex testacea 'Prairie Fire', it is crucial to adhere to an appropriate fertilization regimen. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to kickstart the growing season. This should be sufficient as the species thrives with modest nutritional supplementation. Over-fertilizing can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of the desired coloration. Therefore, it is essential to avoid over-application and to ensure the fertilizer is well-distributed around the base of the clumps without directly contacting the foliage. Given its evergreen nature, providing the right amount of nutrients will support the plant's year-round visual appeal and vigor. Always follow the recommended rates on the fertilizer's packaging to avoid nutrient burn and to promote the healthiest growth possible.

The characteristics of a Carex testacea 'Prairie Fire'

Carex testacea 'Prairie Fire' adds a warm, coppery hue to any garden palette, its striking foliage transitioning from olive green to a vibrant orange as seasons change. Its pot-grown roots make for easy transplantation, ensuring it swiftly settles into diverse garden settings. This species thrives in well-draining soil, and while it enjoys moisture, it is also notably drought-tolerant once established, making it a versatile choice for gardeners seeking low-maintenance yet visually impactful plants.

Separating/dividing a Carex testacea 'Prairie Fire'

To propagate and rejuvenate Carex testacea 'Prairie Fire', division is recommended. The process is beneficial for maintaining the plant's health and encouraging robust growth. Ideally, division should be carried out in the spring or autumn. Begin by carefully lifting the plant from the ground, ensuring the root system remains intact. Once removed, separate the clump into smaller sections. Each division should have a good amount of roots attached. Replant the sections at the same soil depth they were growing previously. This method allows the sedge to thrive, displaying its vibrant green and orange foliage.

What will be the height of Carex testacea 'Prairie Fire'?

Carex testacea 'Prairie Fire' typically grows to a height ranging from 10 to 50 centimeters when fully mature.

What will be the width of Carex testacea 'Prairie Fire'?

Carex testacea 'Prairie Fire' can reach a maximum spread ranging from 10 centimeters to 50 centimeters.

Which soil type is most suitable for the Carex testacea 'Prairie Fire'?

Carex testacea 'Prairie Fire' is adaptable to various soil types, but it thrives best in well-drained soil. Ensuring proper drainage in the soil is essential to promote the healthy growth of this particular plant.

What is the ideal positioning for the Carex testacea 'Prairie Fire'?

The optimal location for Carex testacea 'Prairie Fire' would be an area that receives both sunlight and partial shade. This plant thrives in environments where it can experience a balance of direct sunlight and some shade throughout the day.

What is the flowering colour of the Carex testacea 'Prairie Fire'?

The blooms of Carex testacea 'Prairie Fire' showcase warm hues of brown and red, adding a touch of natural elegance to the plant.

Is the Carex testacea 'Prairie Fire' hardy?

Indeed, Carex testacea 'Prairie Fire' is considered winter hardy. It can endure temperatures between -15.0°C and -9.4°C, falling within the USDA hardiness zones 7b to 8a. As a result, this plant is well-suited to withstand the winter conditions within these zones.

Is the Carex testacea 'Prairie Fire' evergreen?

Indeed, Carex testacea 'Prairie Fire' is an evergreen plant. This indicates that the plant maintains its foliage throughout the year, providing a consistent green presence in your garden or landscape.

What is the growth strength of the Carex testacea 'Prairie Fire'?

Carex testacea 'Prairie Fire' achieves its full height within a period of two to five years, signifying a moderately rapid growth rate for this particular species.

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