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Genus Carex (Sedge)

Carex Carex morrowii 'Ice Dance' Photo/Illustration: Stephanie Fagan
KARE-ex Common Name: Sedge
Carex is a huge genus of more than 1,500 species of perennials with triangular, grass-like stems and panicles of flowerheads in short spikes. Most species are from wet areas such as bogs or damp woods. There is a Carex species to suit almost any garden situation.
 Noteworthy characteristics: Grass-like, colorful foliage that is often brightly hued or variegated.
 Care: Varies. Sun to part shade, in dry to moist soils.
 Propagation: Sow seed in containers and overwinter in a cold frame. Divide plants betwen spring and early summer.
 Problems: Rust, smut and leaf spot. Aphids are possible.

Species, varieties and cultivars for genus Carex

Carex buchananii Carex buchananii
(Leatherleaf sedge) (1 user review)
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Two-foot-tall, stiff, orange-brown blades curve at the end like a shepherd’s staff. Burnished red-bronze foliage, which fades to flax at the tips, gives off a warm glow when backlit by the sun.
Carex divulsa Carex divulsa
(Berkeley sedge) Be the first to rate this plant
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

This sedge is one of the most adaptable of the ground-cover grasses. Its ability to look the same in sun or shade makes it a valuable asset in plantings that go in and out of full sun. Berkeley sedge is a good solution for areas under stress where lawn grasses often fail. The flowers are not particularly noteworthy.
Carex elata 'Aurea' Carex elata 'Aurea'
(Bowles' golden sedge) (1 user review)
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

This beautiful sedge's vivid foliage adds bright color to the garden. The yellow seems to glow in partial shade. Use this dramatic clump of foliage near water or in shallow water, or in another moist location.
Carex morrowii 'Ice Dance' Carex morrowii 'Ice Dance'
(Variegated sedge) Be the first to rate this plant
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

'Ice Dance' is a descriptive name for this eye-pleasing sedge. While the early-spring flowers are insignificant, the strappy leaves are striped with a clean white edge and complement just about any companion. 'Ice Dance' is evergreen and adds a sense of permanence to the winter shade garden. Remove any tattered leaves in early spring and then let it go for the rest of the growing season.

'Ice Dance' is a dense, spreading sedge grown for its foliage that has creamy-white margins and dark green centers. Stems are triangular compared to rounded grass stems. Flower stems are solid without nodes (compared to grasses, which are usually hollow with nodes). The flowers are insignificant. This sedge is evergreen in warm climates. Grow as a groundcover in woodland areas or in a shade garden.
Carex plantaginea Carex plantaginea
(Seersucker sedge) Be the first to rate this plant
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Seersucker sedge is an evergreen, spreading sedge with narrow brown-black flowers on 8-inch stems in spring. Its wide, puckered foliage is shiny and bright green, reaching over a foot long. This sedge is native to rich woods of the eastern U.S. and makes a nice edger or accent plant.
Carex siderosticha 'Variegata' Carex siderosticha 'Variegata'
(Broad-leaf sedge) (1 user review)
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

This sedge's pearly, straplike leaves resemble striped ribbon waiting to be wrapped around a package. It sports fuzzy green flowers with green stamens in late spring. Grow as an edging or groundcover.