Carex comans 'BRONZE FORM' New Zealand sedge
size/type
low perennial,low perennial
usual height
0,3-0,4m
usual width
0,3-0,4m
leaves
evergreen broadleaf
colour of leaves
location
full to partial sun
soil type
any (acidic to alkaline)
soil moisture requirements
evenly moist but well-drained
USDA zone (lowest)
7 (down to -23°C)
winter protection
for zone 5+6
for zone 7
categorized
Carex
Sedge (carex) is an extensive genus of evergreen and deciduous grasses, for which there is a uniting feature, so important that it gave them their scientific name – leaf margins are more or less sharp like precisely cut sheets of office paper. There are more than 1,500 (some believe up to 2,000) species of sedges and they appear in practically all climate types from the hot tropics to arctic regions, where they form one of the most important groups of flora that is able to survive in such inclement conditions. They differ in size, colour, leaf width, flowering, and habit. Some are tufted, others are rhizomatous and creeping so they can form an impenetrable ground cover. Most sedges, including those that are native to Central Europe, are naturally found in moist to wet habitats, which is quite a paradox, since many of them cope well with long-term drought if they are not in a sunny location.Description of the plant:
New Zealand sedge is an evergreen perennial grass, usually featuring brownish foliage. Bronze Form is an upright growing variety with thin leaves in pale reddish-brown colour with bronze or orange hues. Only side leaves arch a little. They combine well with broad-leaved perennials with contrasting foliage colour. From a very similar carex buchanani it differs by more upright tufts, slightly broader leaves and non-mounding habit. The bronze foliage sometimes brings a feeling of a dead tuft, therefore, it is best used in mass plantings and wisely inserted among such plants where the colour will make sure it was deliberately designed that way. From midsummer appear insignificant flowers atop short stems.
New Zealand sedge is a low-maintenance plant requiring no extra care once established. Though, for best results you can comb away old and weak leaves in late winter. Alternatively, you can cut it back every 4-5 years for rejuvenation. Sedges are often used for landscapes where neglect is expected. This one prefers full sun or part shade and evenly moist (not wet) ground. It is drought-tolerant once established. Hardy to min. -24 °C (USDA zone 6), possibly a bit more.
Last update 28-11-2023
