Carex Testacea (2Ltr Pot)

Carex testacea is an evergreen, tuft-forming New Zealand sedge valued for its arching, fine leaves that take on bronzy-orange tones in good light, providing year-round texture and colour. Best leaf colour develops in full sun, though it will also grow in light shade where foliage appears greener. It forms graceful mounds around 30–60cm, suiting gravel gardens, rockeries, coastal schemes and containers, and prefers moderately fertile, well-drained soil. In late winter, simply comb or trim away any tired foliage to keep plants tidy. In most Irish gardens it is reliable, though in colder inland sites it may appreciate some shelter from severe frost.

To help give a clear sense of scale, the stone wall shown in our photos measures approximately 265cm in height. We also use familiar garden tools as visual references: a digging fork (110cm tall) and a hand fork (30cm tall). These are included purely as size guides to help you better judge proportions when viewing the images.

Position: Full sun to light shade

Rate of Growth: Moderate

Soil: Moderately fertile, well-drained; suitable for light, sandy soils

Hardiness: Hardy in coastal and mild parts of Ireland; protect from severe frost

Plant at a Glance