Sedge Grass 1 to 27 of 27 total
Sedge Grass 1 to 27 of 27 total
Sedge Grass
Uses:
- Shaded Borders
- Ground Cover
- Pond Edges
- Container Gardens
Features:
- Colorful Evergreen Foliage
- Deer & Rabbit Resistant
- Low Maintenance & Adaptable
Sunlight:
- Full Shade to Partial Shade
- 0-4 Hours of Direct Sunlight
- Some Types Require Full Sun
Growing Zones:
- 4-9
- What is My Zone?
Sedge grass, also known as Carex, is not a true grass but actually an evergreen perennial with a number of great qualities. Native sedges can adapt to dry, sunny sites with poor soil or heavy clay. Many sedges tolerate wet sites and can be planted at the edge of a pond or water feature. The strappy, grass-like foliage comes in array of colors and stays compact and dense. Its manageable size makes sedge a fine plant for container arrangements to add year-round color.
About Sedge Grass
Genus
Carex
Species
2000+
Family
Cyperaceae
Common Names:
Carex
Native To:
Worldwide
Plant Type:
Ornamental Grasses
Foliage Type:
Evergreen
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
3 - 9
Flower Color:
Yellow, Green, Tan, Purple, Inconspicuous
Flower Bloom Time:
Spring, Summer
Growth Habit:
Clumping, Spreading
Attracts:
Butterflies, Small Mammals, Songbirds
Tolerates
Foot Traffic, Heavy Shade
Resists:
Deer
How To Use Sedge Grass In The Garden
Sedge grass, or Carex, offers diverse foliage colors, including chartreuse, copper, bronze, yellow, blue, and lime green. This perennial forms tufts of strappy leaves that often remain evergreen in mild climates. With species ranging from a few inches to 3 feet in height, sedges adapt to various garden niches, making them excellent groundcovers or lawn alternatives. In addition, pollinators and small wildlife benefit from the seeds and protective foliage these plants provide.
Sedges be used in various applications, from edging a shady walkway to forming a subtle matrix among bolder perennials in woodland gardens. For those aiming to decrease lawn maintenance, certain sedges can serve as a no-mow alternative in partial shade. In wetter areas like bogs or rain gardens, specific species handle excess water while still retaining an attractive, arching form. Whether massed for erosion control or peppered throughout flowerbeds, Sedge Grass fills challenging gaps while bringing understated interest to the landscape.
Sedge Grass Care
Sedge grass thrives in moist, well-drained soil and can adapt to partial shade or full sun, depending on the variety. Plant with the crown above the soil line and water thoroughly. Mulching helps retain moisture, while regular watering is critical, especially for container plants. Use a light, balanced fertilizer in spring if needed, avoiding over-fertilization.
Pruning is minimal; trim damaged foliage in spring and remove dead tips for neatness. Sedge requires little winter care, but mulch can protect roots in colder areas. For container growth, use a well-draining potting mix, water when the top inch of soil is dry, and ensure year-round drainage.
Learn More About Sedge Grass Care
Sedge Grass Companion Plants
Carex thrives with neighbors that accept dappled to partial sun, soils ranging from consistently moist to lightly dry, and a low‑input regime of leaf‑mold mulch rather than heavy fertilizer. In cooler, damper shade, ferns like lady fern echo the sedge’s fine texture and ajuga knits a weed‑suppressing, evergreen mat that lights the ground in early spring. Shift to sunnier edges and ornamental allium can grow between the clumps to add summer pink globes. Purple coneflower lifts pollinator‑rich daisies above the blades yet enjoys the same moderately drained, humus‑rich earth.
