Decorative grasses play a significant role in many landscape designs. Sadly, when these plants are non-native, they tend to become invasive, crowding out other beautiful plants. They can also be short-lived, and most thrive best in full sun. Granted, ornamental grasses certainly have their place in the garden.
I would love to introduce you to a wonderful substitute for exotic ornamental grass. Carex comes in a surprisingly wide range of species and varieties, and there are native types on every continent.
Overview
The sedge plant is a perennial species within the Carex genus.
| |
What is Sedge?
Sedge, also known by its botanical name Carex, is a fascinating genus of plants. The plants in this group tend to be modest in appearance. However, their chromosomal evolution is the most complex and dynamic of all flowering plants. Their versatility makes them attractive for many landscaping needs.
Sedges look like grass, but they aren’t, technically. One of the nice things about this grasslike perennial is that it stands up well to a wide range of conditions. They are sturdy plants that can play many roles in the landscape. Let’s take a closer look at this interesting genus.
History
Georg Kukenthal notably distinguished the genus into subgenera multiple times.
In 1753, Carl Linnaeus established the Carex genus in his work, ‘Species Plantarum.’ It was, and remains, one of the largest genera of flowering plants, with as many as 2000 separate species. They have an incredible array of variations in chromosomes among plants in the genus.
Over time, the genus has been separated into subgenera more than once. Georg Kukenthal, the German botanist, made the most noteworthy distinction. He separated the genus into four separate subgenera. While others have created their own subgroups, Kukenthal’s work remains the accepted standard.
Native Area
Certain sedge species thrive in wetlands and tundra.
This plant has an incredibly wide-reaching native range. There are species native to every continent except for Antarctica. Most areas of the world have at least one native sedge, with the exceptions of Antarctica and a significant portion of Africa. Their native habitats are as far-reaching as their origins.
Many sedges show up in wetland areas such as bogs, stream banks, marshes, and pond banks. However, there are also those species that are native to arctic and alpine tundra environments. Some types even thrive in swamps, where their roots and some foliage remain entirely submerged.
Characteristics
It features flower stems with spiky clusters of monoecious or dioecious flowers.
Sedge are typically perennial plants, although there are a few species that may be short-lived. Their root system varies, with some species growing from rhizomes, short rootstocks, and stolons, while others are clump-forming. The leaves are what make this plant look like a type of grass. Long, thin blades are typically long and flat, but there are species with folded or rolled leaves.
The thin leaves have a midrib, come in shades of green or brown, and are sometimes covered in fine hairs. Occasionally, the tips of leaves curl, while others are very sharp at the edges. Be careful not to slice your fingers when planting these types.
The flower stem is tall, usually taller than the leaves. It doesn’t branch, but rather, there are small spikey stems covered in flowers at the top. These often combine with others to form a larger flower structure.
Each flower spike is monoecious on most species, usually having only male or female flowers. On these species, the male flower stems typically grow above the female flower stems. A few species, however, are dioecious, with male and female flower parts on the same stem. The female flowers are most distinguished, as they have a bract surrounding each bloom. You can identify species by the shape of this bract.
Uses
The plant serves as a food source for various animals.
Sedges have a long history of fascinating uses outside the garden. One of the most interesting is its use as an insulative material. It has often been used to keep feet warm inside of boots. The leaves are said to produce some heat of their own, particularly when wet. So their use inside the boots of folks living or exploring very cold landscapes is well recorded.
Many Native American tribes have a history with sedge as well. Its uses among various tribes include basketry, medicine, food, and mat weaving, among many others. There are many animals that use the plant as a food source.
On top of all of these useful purposes, sedge makes a beautiful landscape plant. It has great use in habitat restoration and with those concerned with sustainable gardening and native gardening.
Where to Buy Sedge
This widely available plant species is suitable for starting from seeds.
This is a common plant, with so many species, that it tends to show up at most plant and landscaping retailers. If you want to start your plants from seeds, that shouldn’t be a problem either. Many species are available this way, both close to home and online. Make sure you purchase a type that performs well in your climate and environment. There is a significant amount of variation between species.
Planting
Consider the season and spacing relative to the root ball.
Because of the wide range of species, different types of sedges are best planted at different times of the year. Determining which one is native to an environment like yours is the best way to make this determination.
Sedges that prefer cool weather are best planted in the fall. Warm weather sedges tolerate planting in the fall or spring. There are a few species, the most common being Leatherleaf, that is best planted in spring.
If you are planting nursery starts, dig a hole that is about six inches wider than the root ball of the plant. The same applies to seedlings you have germinated. The root ball should be slightly visible above the surface of the surrounding earth. It’s also perfectly fine to direct sow your seeds in the garden.
How to Grow
Sedge is notoriously easy to grow. This is especially true of species that are native to your climate. We will discuss the various desirable conditions in this section. Bear in mind is that there is a wide range of conditions and it is important to know what species you are working with.
Light
Partial shade or filtered sunlight is ideal for most plant species.
There is a sedge for every light condition. Although few of them are fond of full shade, some species, such as Appalachian sedge, will grow nicely in the shade garden. Blue sedges tend to prefer full sun conditions and will do best in warmer climates.
Most species are amenable to partial shade conditions. The ideal situation for nearly every species is part shade or filtered sunlight. Here, they will grow lush and full, spreading to their full potential.
Water
Maintain consistently moist soil for moisture-loving sedges.
There are a handful of sedges that are drought tolerant once established. Pennsylvania sedge and species native to New Zealand are the most drought-tolerant. Most of these plants prefer moisture, though. Cool, moist soil is ideal for the majority of species.
If you have a moisture-loving sedge, make sure to keep the soil moist. This is important during the hot summer months. Regular rainfall should be sufficient in most climates. In times of prolonged drought, most species will need weekly watering. Some species are even tolerant of standing water or wet soil.
Soil
Sedges prefer soil pH ranging from 5.5 to 7.5.
Most types of sedge prefer a similar type of soil. Fertile, well-drained soil that holds moisture is the ideal environment for the majority of species. The exceptions are a handful of species that prefer very wet or dry soil types.
The most common species that thrive in a boggy environment is C. oshimensis. This is a great plant for anyone with drainage issues in the garden. It will be happy growing at the edge of a pond, too. Conversely, C. flacca and C. flaccosperma are both dry-weather species. They are among the more drought-tolerant.
In terms of soil pH, this is a versatile group of plants. The healthy range for sedge is in the neighborhood of 5.5-7.5. They are well adapted to tolerate soil that is neutral, slightly acidic, or slightly alkaline.
Temperature and Humidity
Cool-weather-loving plants such as Japanese sedge thrive best below 75°F.
When it comes to temperature, many varieties are cool-weather-loving. Japanese sedge, for example, does its best growing under 75°F (24°C). Like most other factors that influence growth, these plants are very tolerant of a wide range of temperatures, though. They are also not concerned with humidity and can tolerate high or low levels.
Fertilizing
Apply balanced fertilizer once a year to poor soil.
Sedges are not heavy feeders, so fertilizing may not be necessary at all depending on your soil. If you work in some organic compost and have naturally rich soil, you’ll never need to worry about feeding your plants.
If you have poor soil and feel like your plants need a little boost, once yearly should do it. A light application of balanced liquid fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 formula, will work perfectly. Don’t overdo the fertilizer because your sedges will suffer. Dilute if you’re unsure.
Maintenance
Manage root rot by cutting out affected parts from the plant’s center.
During the growing season, there is little to do in terms of maintenance. You can deadhead the flowers if you prefer the way it looks, but pruning will not be necessary. Trim things up in the spring as your plants begin to grow again after dormancy. Cut back dead or diseased foliage and anything that is otherwise damaged.
The other important thing to check for at this time is rotting roots. Root rot is common because of the moisture the plant prefers. It’s not always deadly, though, as long as you remove the rotten portions. Check the center of the plant for any rotting, and remove any part of the plant and roots affected.
Growing in Containers
Mix sedge with partial shade-loving plants in a standard potting mix within a container.
This is a great container plant and looks fabulous in container arrangements with other plants. It has an interesting texture, so it looks wonderful with flowering plants and broad-leafed or more delicate foliage types. Choose a container with good drainage to start. I find this is very important for outdoor planters. Too much rain will leave you with very soggy soil if your container has no drainage.
A standard potting mix will work just fine for any type of sedge. Planting in a container gives you the advantage of moving the plants around to find where they are happiest. Mix this plant with others that like partial shade for best results. Make sure to keep this plant watered well in a container. Container plants dry out faster and usually need to be watered more often.
Propagation
The most common propagation method once you have this plant established is by division. You can also propagate them by seeds, but the germination rate does tend to be unpredictable.
Division
Propagate plants by dividing dense, healthy clumps in early spring.
To divide your sedge plants, wait until early spring, just as they begin active growth. Dig up a clump of the plant, choosing one that is dense and healthy. The rest is simple; just use a knife or other tool to divide the root ball and foliage into smaller sections. Then re-plant them in whatever space you choose! You will know that your divisions are successful when you see new growth. This method is usually quite effective.
Seeds
Space seeds properly in groups of two or three.
If you have plants, let them go to seed. Then, remove the seeds and allow them to dry out in a paper bag over the winter. Otherwise, seeds are not hard to find, and you can purchase them in nurseries and online. Most of the cool weather species require cold stratification. Either plant your seeds in the fall or place them in the refrigerator for 90 days before planting. This will significantly improve the germination rate.
When starting your seeds, use a high-quality potting or starter mix that will retain moisture. These seeds need to stay moist during germination. Place your seeds on the potting mix and lightly press them into the soil. They will benefit from some light during germination. If you are directly sowing your seeds, keep this in mind. Plant seeds 12″ apart in the garden in groups of two or three. Thin them out once you can distinguish between seedlings.
Common Problems
Sedge is a tough plant, and not many pests bother with it. There are some other issues that can arise with this plant, though, including a handful of diseases.
Spreading
Regularly removing flower stems and pulling up offsets can curb its spread.
One of the more notable issues with sedge is its ability to spread and overtake other plants. Because it can self-seed, in addition to reproducing by way of their rhizomes, they can colonize quickly.
Cutting the flower stems before they go to seed will help to control the spread of the plants. You may also have to pull some of the offsets as they pop up if you want to keep your sedge confined.
Pests & Diseases
Treat fungal issues like rust with copper-based antifungal.
The most prevalent disease issues for sedge are root and crown rot. Both of these are the result of too much moisture. Since this is a moisture-loving plant, fungal issues commonly crop up. The best way to avoid fungal diseases is with drainage. For all but those species that like soggy soil, make sure that your beds have proper drainage.
You may see some other fungal issues, including rust. Treat these with a copper-based antifungal, and make sure your plants have proper air circulation. In terms of insects, aphids may come around occasionally but won’t usually kill the plant. Because of the moist soil, fungus gnats can also be an issue but pose no large threats to the plants.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, a great thing about this plant is that it is completely safe for people and pets. While your pet may have some digestive upset after ingesting the plant, there is no cause for alarm. No lasting harm will come of digesting sedge.
Yes and no. A sedge that is native to your region will be just fine. However, there are some types that can become invasive and are considered such in certain areas. Check with your local extension office if you’re unsure about the species you’d like to plant.
Most species are evergreen, so it’s a good idea to cut them back a bit in the spring to make room for fresh new growth.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a hardy, attractive, and no-nonsense plant with a grassy appearance, sedge is a wonder. With an amazingly wide range of species, unless you live in Antarctica, there is a sedge that will grow in your garden. Great for borders, containers, and mass plantings, this plant is low maintenance and looks great anywhere.
