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Carex buchananii (Leatherleaf Sedge)

Leatherleaf Sedge, Carex 'Buchanni', Curly Top Sedge

Carex buchananii, Leatherleaf Sedge, Carex 'Buchanni', Ornamental grasses, Ornamental grass, Decorative grasses, grasses, perennial grasses
Carex buchananii, Leatherleaf Sedge, Carex 'Buchanni', Ornamental grasses, Ornamental grass, Decorative grasses, grasses, perennial grasses
Carex buchananii, Leatherleaf Sedge, Carex 'Buchanni', Ornamental grasses, Ornamental grass, Decorative grasses, grasses, perennial grasses

A very popular Sedge, Carex buchananii (Leatherleaf Sedge) is a tufted perennial grass with an evergreen foliage of narrow, copper-bronze leaves. Erect when young, the grass-like leaves tend gradually to arch over time, curling gracefully towards their tips. The striking color of this New Zealand Sedge makes it an outstanding addition to any sunny gardens.

  • Forming attractive mounds of evergreen (in milder climates), slender, hairlike foliage that shimmers in slight breezes, it mixes beautifully with almost any flowering bulbs or perennial plants to create spectacular and elegantly mobile combinations.
  • This is a graceful accent plant for beds, borders, prairie plantings, rock gardens, city or cottage gardens or coastal gardens. Does well in containers too where it adds wonderful character and texture to your plant combinations.
  • Growing easily in a dense fountain-like clump about 30 in. tall (75 cm) and across, it enjoys full sun, tolerates light shade and thrives in moist, well-drained soils. Will not tolerate excessive winter wet and avoid extremes of wet and dry. Roots should not be allowed to dry out.
  • Requires very little care.
  • Deer resistant, it is generally disease-free. Watch for aphids.
  • Propagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame in spring or by division in early summer
  • Cut out any dead leaves in summer.
  • Native to New Zealand

Requirements

Hardiness 6 - 9
Heat Zones 5 - 9
Climate Zones 2B, 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 (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 2' - 3'
(60cm - 90cm)
Spread 2' - 3'
(60cm - 90cm)
Spacing 30" - 36"
(80cm - 90cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Deer
Garden Uses Banks And Slopes, Beds And Borders, Ground Covers, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow, Coastal Garden
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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

Senecio mandraliscae (Blue Chalksticks)
Kalanchoe luciae (Paddle Plant)
Geranium sanguineum var. striatum (Bloody Cranesbill)
Alchemilla mollis (Lady’s Mantle)

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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 6 - 9
Heat Zones 5 - 9
Climate Zones 2B, 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 (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 2' - 3'
(60cm - 90cm)
Spread 2' - 3'
(60cm - 90cm)
Spacing 30" - 36"
(80cm - 90cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Deer
Garden Uses Banks And Slopes, Beds And Borders, Ground Covers, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow, Coastal Garden
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Carex (Sedge)
Guides with
Carex (Sedge)
Not sure which Carex (Sedge) to pick?
Compare Now

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