Carex testacea 'Autumn Gold'
Loosely, clump-forming, evergreen perennial sedge, 60-75cm tall or more, with arching olive-green leaves overlaid in shades of orange, bronze and gold, the colours intensifying in autumn and winter in full sun. Carries cylindrical pale to dark brown flower spikes on stems 50-60cm long, in midsummer, followed by prominent hanging, dark seedheads in autumn
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Orange | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Brown | Green Orange | ||
| Autumn | Green Orange Bronze | Purple Brown | ||
| Winter | Green Orange Bronze |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered 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
Unresolved
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in any reasonable soil in full sun or part shade, avoiding extremes of wet or dry. See ornamental grasses cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by division in mid spring to early summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Gravel garden
- Patio and container plants
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
- Garden edging
Pruning
Cut out any dead leaves on evergreen species in summer
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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