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Carex elata ‘Aurea’ (Bowles’ Golden Sedge)

Bowles' Golden Sedge, Carex Stricta 'Aurea', Carex elata 'Bowles' Golden', Carex Acuta 'Aurea', Carex Flava 'Aurea', Japanese Sedge Grass, Variegated Tufted Sedge

AGM Award
Carex Elata 'Aurea', Bowles' Golden Sedge, Carex Stricta 'Aurea', Carex Elata 'Bowles' Golden', Carex Acuta 'Aurea', Carex Flava 'Aurea', Japanese Sedge Grass, Variegated Tufted Sedge, Ornamental grasses, Ornamental grass, Decorative grasses, grasses, per

One of the most striking golden Sedge, award-winning Carex elata ‘Aurea’ or Bowles’ Golden Sedge is a very distinctive ornamental grass with shimmering yellow blades and with fine green edges that curl gracefully towards the ground, delicately softening any landscape. Valuable for its stunning appeal, this highly decorative grass is one of the most beautiful ornamental grasses for the garden, where it provides a lovely contrast with other plants, mulch or gravel.

  • Forming attractive upright tufts of evergreen, slender, hairlike, iridescent 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 rain gardens, bog gardens, beds and borders near ponds and streams where its foliage can be reflected for double the pleasure. Excellent choice to brighten shady areas. Does well in containers too where it adds wonderful character and texture to your plant combinations.
  • Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society (1993)
  • Growing easily in a dense fountain-like clump about 12-18 in. tall (30-45 cm) and 24-36 in. wide (60-90 cm), it enjoys full sun or part shade and thrives in moist, acid, fertile soils. It will even grow in shallow water 2-3 in. deep (5-7 cm).
  • Deer and wet soil tolerant, it requires very little care and provides almost all year around interest.

Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 9
Heat Zones 3 - 9
Climate Zones 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Aquatic Plants, 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 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spread 2' - 3'
(60cm - 90cm)
Spacing 24" - 36"
(60cm - 90cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs High
Soil Type Clay, Loam
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moisture Retentive, Poorly Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Deer, Clay Soil, Wet Soil
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Bog Gardens, Patio And Containers, Ponds And Streams, Rain Gardens, Water Gardens
Garden Styles Modern Garden, City and Courtyard, 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

Primula pulverulenta (Candelabra Primrose)
Iris laevigata ‘Variegata’ (Water Iris)
Tulipa ‘Abu Hassan’ (Triumph Tulip)
Astrantia major ‘Roma’ (Great Masterwort)
Alchemilla mollis (Lady’s Mantle)
Veronicastrum virginicum ‘Album’ (Culver’s Root)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

A Fabulous Plant Combination for Wet Soils: Water Iris, Carex and Primroses
Create a Garden with Great Winter Interest
Pretty Sedges for your Containers
Great Ornamental Grasses for your Winter Garden
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 5 - 9
Heat Zones 3 - 9
Climate Zones 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Aquatic Plants, 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 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spread 2' - 3'
(60cm - 90cm)
Spacing 24" - 36"
(60cm - 90cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs High
Soil Type Clay, Loam
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moisture Retentive, Poorly Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Deer, Clay Soil, Wet Soil
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Bog Gardens, Patio And Containers, Ponds And Streams, Rain Gardens, Water Gardens
Garden Styles Modern Garden, City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage
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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