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Grass LikeHerbaceous PerennialSynonym

Carex riparia 'Variegata'

variegated slender-tufted sedge

A clump-forming, deciduous perennial with strap-shaped, aromatic variegated cream foliage with dark green edges. Tall spikes of dark brown flowers appear above the foliage from late spring into summer. Ideal for a damp or boggy area of the garden

Synonyms

Carex riparia 'Variegata'

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Ultimate height

0.5–1 metres

Time to ultimate height

2–5 years

Ultimate spread

0.5–1 metres

Clay

Loam

Moisture

Poorly–drained

pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Full sun
Partial shade

Aspect

East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure

Exposed or Sheltered

Hardiness
Hardiness ratings
All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets
H1a: under glass all year (>15C)
H1b: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1c: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)

Botanical details

Family: Cyperaceae
Native to GB / Ireland: No
Foliage: Deciduous
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: Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Prefers moist, poorly-drained soil in sun or partial shade. Grows well at the edge of ponds or streams. May have the potential to become a nuisance if not kept in check

Propagation

Propagate by division in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Cottage and informal garden
Flower borders and beds

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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