Carex nigra 'On-line' (v)
sedge 'On-line'
Slowly spreading, clump-forming, evergreen perennial sedge, about 45cm tall, producing creeping mounds of grey-green foliage narrowly margined creamy-yellow. Bears purplish-black flower spikes, early to late summer
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Grey Silver Green Cream | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Purple Black | Grey Silver Green Cream | ||
Autumn | Grey Silver Green Cream | |||
Winter | Grey Silver Green Cream |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Cyperaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming, Tufted
- 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
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in fertile moist but well-drained soil, boggy soil or by water, best in full sun. Suitable as ground cover, especially in wet areas and coastal situations See ornamental grasses cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by division in mid spring to early summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Low Maintenance
- Ground cover
Pruning
Cut out any dead leaves on evergreen species in summer
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.