Carex flacca ‘Blue Zinger’ (Blue Sedge)
Blue Sedge 'Blue Zinger', Glaucous Sedge 'Blue Zinger', Carnation Grass 'Blue Zinger'
Prized for its intense blue foliage, Carex flacca ‘Blue Zinger’ (Blue Sedge) is a robust, evergreen or semi-evergreen perennial sedge forming a slowly spreading clump of attractive, grass-like, glaucous-blue leaves. In late spring or early summer, it bears insignificant cream-colored flower spikes among the foliage. ‘Blue Zinger’ is reported to be taller than the species and to have lighter blue foliage color. Low maintenance, Blue Sedge is a great choice for borders or rock gardens or as a ground cover. Evergreen in warm winter climates.
- Grows up to 12-18 in. tall and wide (30-45 cm).
- This plant will slowly spread from underground rhizomes to form small patches.
- Performs best in full sun or part shade in moist but well-drained soils. The best foliage color is obtained in full sun. Adaptable to a wide range of soils, including wet shaded sites. Can grow in standing water no deeper than 2 in. (5 cm). Drought tolerant once established.
- Perfect plant for borders, woodland gardens, rock gardens, rain gardens, near ponds and streams, and as a ground cover.
- Generally disease and pest free. Keep an eye out for aphids. Carex flacca is fairly unpalatable to deer.
- Cut foliage to the ground and remove it in late winter in cold winter climates
- Propagate by division in mid-spring to early summer.
- Carex flacca is native to the Mediterranean area.
Requirements
| Hardiness |
5 - 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 |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early, Mid, Late) Fall |
| Height |
1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
| Spread |
1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
| Spacing | 18" (50cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen, Semi-Evergreen |
| Tolerance | Drought, Deer, Wet Soil |
| Garden Uses | Ground Covers, Rain Gardens |
| Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage |
Alternative Plants to Consider
Recommended Companion Plants
Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens
Paul S Drobot
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.
Requirements
| Hardiness |
5 - 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 |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early, Mid, Late) Fall |
| Height |
1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
| Spread |
1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
| Spacing | 18" (50cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen, Semi-Evergreen |
| Tolerance | Drought, Deer, Wet Soil |
| Garden Uses | Ground Covers, Rain Gardens |
| Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage |
