Plant field guide
Carex (Sedge)
Sedges are grass-like plants that thrive where grasses fail — in shade, moist soil, and woodland settings. 'Sedges have edges' (triangular stems distinguish them from grasses). Elegant, low-care textural groundcover.
Growing requirements
- Scientific name
- Carex spp.
- Sun
- partial shade
- Water
- moderate
- Height
- 6 in (15 cm) – 24 in (61 cm)
- Spread
- 12 in (30 cm) – 18 in (46 cm)
- Spacing
- 12 in (30 cm)
- Hardiness zones & minimum temperature
- USDA 4–9; average annual extreme minimum from -30°F (-34.4°C). Hardiness does not predict local frost dates.
- Difficulty
- easy
Planting & seasonal timing
Northern Hemisphere planting months: not yet verified in our database.
Northern Hemisphere pruning months: March.
For the Southern Hemisphere, these seasonal windows shift approximately six months. Check your local frost forecast, soil temperature, and species requirements; calendar months are not a guarantee of planting safety.
Choose variety based on site conditions — some prefer moist shade, others tolerate full sun and drought. Generally more shade-tolerant than ornamental grasses. Comb out dead foliage in spring; rarely need division.
Pruning
Run gloved fingers through clumps in spring to remove dead foliage. Light trim if clump looks ragged. Divide every 4–5 years if overcrowded.
Fertilizer
Minimal — balanced light application
Spring only
Mulch
2–3 inches organic mulch.