Seersucker Sedge Grass

Light Needs

Partial Sun

(5-6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

6-18 Inches

Mature Spread

6-18 Inches

Growing Zones

4 to 8

Seersucker sedge, Carex plantaginea, is a unique native perennial that is perfect for adding textural interest to your shade garden! Its glossy green leaves are peculiar for a sedge – flat, wide, and slightly wrinkled. Its broad leaf blades can grow up to an inch wide, contrasting the more delicate, wispy foliage of other sedges. In spring, seersucker sedge produces spikes of interesting deep purple or brown flowers. This plant can grow 6-12 inches tall and 10-12 inches wide. 

Like many native sedges, seersucker sedge is a must-have for wildlife and pollinator gardens. It is a host plant for several butterflies and attracts seed-eating birds. Use seersucker sedge as a clumping, mounded groundcover beneath the shade of trees and shrubs. Grow it with ferns and woodland wildflowers for a stunning shady border. The tufted form of seersucker sedge is ideal for lining walkways or jazzing up containers. 

Seersucker Sedge Grass Care

Seersucker sedge can grow in partial to full shade. It prefers rich, moist, and well-drained soil and is a good candidate for planting in rocky soils. This plant is excellent for erosion control on slopes. Seersucker sedge grows best in soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Amend your soil with compost and apply a slow-release fertilizer annually in spring. Once established, seersucker sedge is somewhat drought tolerant and will need little to no additional watering. If growing in containers, keep the pot well watered. 

Although semi-evergreen, some foliage may turn brown over winter. Prune seersucker sedge to the ground in winter to make room for the new spring growth. Seersucker sedge has shallow rhizomes that can be easily divided in spring. Provide additional winter protection to container-grown seersucker sedge by moving the container to a sheltered, unheated location in winter. 

Seersucker Sedge Grass Spacing

Seersucker sedge will slowly spread to form neat colonies. Plant this perennial 10-12” apart in your garden. Seersucker sedge can be grown in containers alongside other shade-loving perennials and annuals. Plant it in a pot that is at least 2-3” wider than its root system.