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Carex flacca (Blue Sedge)

Blue Sedge, Glaucous Sedge, Carnation Grass, Carex Glauca

Carex flacca, Blue Sedge, Glaucous Sedge, Carnation Grass, Ornamental grasses, Blue Grass, Carex glauca

Prized for its soft blue foliage, Carex flacca (Blue Sedge) is a beautiful sedge forming a slowly spreading clump of narrow, arching leaves, blue-green above, and glaucous blue beneath. In early summer, it bears inconspicuous, slender, brown flower spikes, upright at first then slightly nodding over. Reminiscent of the garden carnation foliage, Blue Sedge is a great choice for naturalizing since this species spreads steadily to form a dense, fine-textured ground cover. Evergreen in warm winter climates

  • Grows easily about 6-12 in. tall (15-30 cm) and 12-18 in. wide (30-45 cm). This plant will spread over time by rhizomes to form a dense ground cover.
  • Enjoys full sun to part shade and thrives in medium to wet soils. Adaptable to a wide range of soils, including alkaline soils and can withstand some salinity. Drought tolerant. Can grow in standing water no deeper than 2 in. (5 cm).
  • Perfect plant for borders, woodland gardens, rock gardens, rain gardens, bog gardens, near ponds and streams, edge paths or walkways, and as a ground cover.
  • Deer tolerant and low maintenance.
  • Generally disease and pest free.
  • May be mown or clipped in early spring. Cut foliage to the ground and remove in late winter in cold winter climates
  • Clumps are easily divided in spring or early fall.
  • Native to the Mediterranean area

Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 9
Climate Zones 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Ornamental Grasses
Plant Family Cyperaceae
Genus Carex
Common names Sedge
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 6" - 1'
(15cm - 30cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 18" (50cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average, High
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Moisture Retentive, Poorly Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United Kingdom
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Wet Soil
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Bog Gardens, Edging, Ground Covers, Ponds And Streams, Rain Gardens, Small Gardens
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Carex appalachica (Appalachian Sedge)
Carex flacca ‘Blue Zinger’ (Blue Sedge)
Carex plantaginea (Plantain-Leaf Sedge)
Carex pensylvanica (Pennsylvania Sedge)
Carex tumulicola (Foothill Sedge)
Carex pseudocyperus (Sedge Hop)

Recommended Companion Plants

Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’ (Black Mondo)
Primula japonica (Japanese Primrose)
Allium ‘Summer Beauty’ (Ornamental Allium)
Astilbe

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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 9
Climate Zones 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Ornamental Grasses
Plant Family Cyperaceae
Genus Carex
Common names Sedge
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 6" - 1'
(15cm - 30cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 18" (50cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average, High
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Moisture Retentive, Poorly Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United Kingdom
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Wet Soil
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Bog Gardens, Edging, Ground Covers, Ponds And Streams, Rain Gardens, Small Gardens
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Carex (Sedge)
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Carex (Sedge)
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