Carex comans

12 Jul

Carex comans (30/06/2012, Kew gardens, London)

Position: Full sun to light shade

Flowering period: Late summer

Soil: Moist, well drained

Eventual Height: 30cm

Eventual Spread:30cm

Hardiness: 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b

Family: Cyperaceae

Carex comans is an evergreen medium sized tufted grasses. Its brown/ red leaves are narrow and linear and arch upwards and outwards. Its flowers are inconspicuous and appear on short spikes.

Carex comans, commonly known as Bronze New Zealand Hair Sedge, is native to New Zealand.

The etymological root of the binomial name Carex is from the old Latin name for reed grasses, sedges and rushes. Comans is from the Latin meaning ‘long-haired’

The landscape architect may find Carex comans useful as a dramatic ground cover when planted en mass. It is tolerant of maritime conditions. It is drought tolerant once established.

Carex comans prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil. It will not tolerate waterlogged soils during the winter months.

Carex comans requires little maintenance. Large clumps may be divided in early summer.