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Carex testacea

orange New Zealand sedge

An evergreen New Zealand sedge providing winter and summer interest. A tufted perennial 40-60cm tall, its narrow, arching leaves are olive-green in summer, the colour intensifying to warm coppery-orange in winter. Flowers are brown and insignificant, but their stems droop gracefully as they age

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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Brown Green
Autumn Brown Orange
Winter Brown Orange
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or East–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Cyperaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Clump forming
Genus

Carex can be deciduous or evergreen, rhizomatous or tufted perennials, with triangular stems bearing linear or strap-shaped leaves and short or long spikes of tiny green or brown flowers

Name status

Correct

Plant range
New Zealand

How to grow

Cultivation

Easy to grow in most well-drained fertile soils. Will not tolerate excessive winter wet and avoid extremes of wet and dry

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame in spring or by division in early summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Coastal
  • Gravel garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Prairie planting
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Banks and slopes
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Ground cover
Pruning

In summer cut out any dead leaves

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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