Carex testacea
Carex testacea

Carex testacea

SKU: S71031
1 for $13.50
Quick Facts
Common Name: Orange Sedge
Hardiness Zone: Annual Exposure: Sun to Part Shade
Find your zone?
Mature Height: 1-2'
Spacing: 12-15" Read our Growing Guide
Ships as: 1 PINT 28.86 CU IN.
Buy more, save more
Need more quantities?
Shipping Details Shipment begins in late March 2024, depending on your zone. See shipping tab for details
Delivery Date

Product Details

Product Details

Sedges may be an acquired taste, and this finely textured Hair Sedge from New Zealand has certainly grown on us. We like it in the center of a container, arching its olive to copper tresses over the bright blooms of annuals such as Calibrachoa, Verbena, Lantana, or Petunia, but Carex testacea will also add height to a mixed composition of interesting succulents (Sempervivum, Echeveria, low-growing Sedums).

The globally distributed genus Carex, comprising well over 1,500 species, is a highly versatile group of plants for gardens and landscapes. Otherwise known as Sedges, these diverse perennials are identified by their unique triangular stems as described in the beloved botanical mnemonic, “Sedges have edges, Rushes are round…” Sedges, sometimes grown as annuals depending on a region’s cold hardiness zone, have either a spreading (rhizomatous) or a tufted habit. Their linear leaves, from hair-like to strap-shaped, can be deciduous or evergreen and are often colored or variegated, making these plants coveted for their foliage. There is a Sedge for practically every condition, whether sun or shade, wet or dry, which opens this genus to a wide range of uses. In gardens, they are great as ground covers (especially beneath or alongside shade perennials) or as toppers for sunny stone walls. They are finding their way into larger projects, too, such as bioswales and alternatives for lawns. Here at White Flower Farm, we love using Sedges in container plantings, where the leaves add linear interest and terrific texture amid annuals and succulents.

We categorize this plant as an 'Annual' because it does not survive winter here in our Zone 6 location in Connecticut, so we enjoy a single season display. This plant is truly a tender perennial and will return year after year in warmer areas of the country, perennial for Zones 7 to 9.

For more information on the growing and care of Carex, click Growing Guide.

Shipping

Shipping
Every state has agricultural regulations that restrict the shipment of certain plants. We're sorry, but we cannot ship this item to the following states: Arizona, California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington.

HOW PLANTS ARE SHIPPED

The size of the plants we ship has been selected to reduce the shock of transplanting. For some, this means a large, bareroot crown. Others cannot travel bareroot or transplant best if grown in containers. We ship these perennials and annuals in 1 pint pots, except as noted. We must point out that many perennials will not bloom the first year after planting, but will the following year, amply rewarding your patience. We ship bulbs as dormant, bare bulbs, sometimes with some wood shavings or moss. Shrubs, Roses, vines, and other woody plants may be shipped bareroot or in pots. The size of the pot is noted in the quick facts for each item.

WHEN WE SHIP

We ship our bulbs and plants at the right time for planting in your area, except as noted, with orders dispatched on a first-come, first-served basis by climate zone. We also ship a wide range of containers and planters, tools, supplies, fertilizers, garden wear, garden decor items, as well as indoor decorations like wreaths and dried bouquets when available. Estimated dates for shipping are indicated in the green Shipping Details box for each item. Please supply a street address for delivery. Kindly contact us with two weeks notice, if you'll be away at the expected time of delivery.

OUR GUARANTEE

We guarantee to ship plants that are in prime condition for growing. If your order is damaged or fails to meet your expectations, we will cheerfully replace or refund it. Please contact our Customer Service Department at 1-800-503-9624 or email us at [email protected]. Please include your order number or customer number when contacting us.

Reviews

Reviews

There are no reviews yet. Be first to Write a Review.

Growing guide

Growing guide
Print Grow Guide

Latin Name Pronunciation: kar'eks 

Carex testacea is a New Zealand native and hardy for Zones 7-10S&W, with fine, olive green foliage that takes on coppery orange highlights in full sun, where it performs best. This graceful Sedge is ideal for cascading over rock walls, edging a pond, or as the focal point of a large container planting. Must be treated as an annual in cold climates.

Light/Watering: Carex testacea has the best color in full sun and prefers evenly moist soil, so water during dry periods.

Fertilizer/Soil and pH: Orange Sedge is very adaptable but will thrive in fertile, humus-rich, moist soil with pH mildly acidic or close to neutral. In containers you will need to fertilize every 2 weeks with a water-soluble fertilizer mixed at half strength.

Pests/Diseases: No notable pests or diseases.

Companions: Attractive in mixed annual container gardens or interplant with summer and fall-blooming perennials at the front of the border.

For information on planting and care of annuals, click here

Videos

Videos
Growing Ornamental Grasses
Related Items