Carex are masters of quiet structure. Many garden forms grow as neat tufts or low fountains of foliage, with leaves that can be fine and hair‑like, broad and strap‑shaped, plain green, warm bronze or boldly variegated in cream, gold or silver. They’re brilliant at breaking up big blobs of planting and tying mixed borders together, weaving between perennials, shrubs and bulbs. In a typical UK garden, especially in East Anglia where winters are often fairly mild, many Carex stay evergreen or semi‑evergreen, so those soft mounds keep the border looking alive when other plants have vanished underground.
Common name: Ornamental sedges.
Latin name: Carex
Size in UK gardens: Typically 20–60cm tall and wide; some forms creep to make low ground cover, while a few taller species can reach around 80–100cm in height.
Best position: Varies with species, but many enjoy sun to light shade with some shelter from the fiercest winds; lovely along paths, edges, in mixed borders and in pots.
Soil: Moisture‑retentive but well‑drained soil with plenty of organic matter; some species like damp conditions, others will tolerate relatively dry ground once established.
Main interest: Foliage – colour, texture, movement and year‑round mounds, with small, understated flower spikes in spring or summer.
Fragrance: Usually not noticeably scented; grown for foliage and form rather than perfume.
Hardiness: Generally hardy in most UK gardens once established; many are evergreen or semi‑evergreen in milder areas such as much of East Anglia.
Care level: Easy – low‑maintenance once settled, needing only occasional watering in pots and a light tidy in late winter or early spring.
Rather than travelling halfway across Europe, our mimosa trees are grown on site by the Simpson’s team. They’re toughened to local conditions, properly potted, and ready to get growing the moment you plant them.
Planting time: As container‑grown plants, Carex can be planted in most months when the soil isn’t frozen or waterlogged; spring and early autumn are usually easiest, allowing roots to settle before summer heat or winter cold.
Watering: Water regularly in the first season, especially on lighter soils or in pots, so the rootball and surrounding soil don’t dry right out. Once established in the ground, most Carex cope with ordinary dry spells but appreciate an occasional soak in long, hot periods.
Feeding: In decent garden soil, an annual mulch of compost or well‑rotted organic matter is usually all they need. On very poor or sandy soils, a light, balanced fertiliser in spring can help maintain good colour and density without forcing lush, floppy growth.
Pruning: Rather than traditional pruning, Carex mostly need tidying. In late winter or early spring, comb through clumps with gloved hands or shears to remove dead or tatty leaves and flower stems, taking care not to chop off too much fresh green growth.
Winter: In the ground, most ornamental Carex simply sit through winter, sometimes taking on richer or more muted tones. A mulch around the base helps protect roots and keeps the soil improving year by year; container plants benefit from a slightly more sheltered spot.
Availability is always changing, so please check with us if you have a particular variety in mind.
