Carex chathamica
Densely tufted, clump-forming, evergreen perennial sedge, about 45cm tall, with strong stems and broad metallic blue-green leaves, silvery beneath. Produces large, terminal, brown flower spikes, during summer
Buy this plant
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, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Neutral, AlkalineColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Blue Green Grey Silver | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Brown | Blue Green Grey Silver | ||
Autumn | Blue Green Grey Silver | |||
Winter | Blue Green Grey Silver |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Cyperaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- 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
Correct
- Plant range
- Chatham Islands
How to grow
Cultivation
Suits a range of soils including well-drained and moist but well-drained soil in full sun. See ornamental grasses cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by seed in early spring or by division in mid spring to early summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Gravel garden
- Patio and container plants
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
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.