Carex flacca
glaucous sedge
An evergreen, slowly-creeping sedge, to 45cm tall, with stiff, hair-like leaves which are green above and a glaucous blue beneath. In early summer, 4cm long purple-brown flower spikes are borne on arching stems
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Blue Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Brown Purple | Blue Green | ||
| Autumn | Blue Green | |||
| Winter | Blue Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Cyperaceae
- Native to the UK
- Yes
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- 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
- Europe to Pakistan
How to grow
Cultivation
Grows best in a moisture-retentive, alkaline to neutral soil. Drought-tolerant when established. Can spread so best grown in confined spaces or containers
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
- Cottage and informal garden
- Rock garden
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Gravel garden
- Patio and container plants
- Ground cover
Pruning
Comb or rake off any old, tired or dead leaves and flowers in spring
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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