Carex testacea - Orange Sedge
DESCRIPTION & SIZE GUIDE
Carex testacea, known as Orange Sedge, is a colourful, tuft-forming native grass that brings movement and year-round colour to landscapes. Growing 40 - 60 cm tall and wide, it produces fine, arching leaves that shift from green to golden-orange and copper tones, intensifying in full sun. It works well in mass plantings, rock gardens, and modern designs where texture and seasonal colour are key. Plant in drifts, spacing 40 - 50 cm apart for ground coverage.
ECOLOGICAL BENEFIT
This sedge contributes to ecosystem resilience by providing shelter and habitat for insects and ground-dwelling fauna. Its roots stabilise soil, making it useful for erosion control on banks and exposed slopes. In naturalistic gardens, it supports biodiversity while requiring fewer resources than exotic grasses. Choosing Carex testacea enhances both design and ecological outcomes.
GROWING CONDITIONS & CARE
Carex testacea thrives in full sun to light shade and adapts to most soil types, including sandy and stony soils, provided they are well-drained. It is hardy to frost, wind, and coastal exposure, making it suitable across a wide range of New Zealand environments. Minimal care is needed - simply remove old leaves to refresh clumps. It is drought-tolerant once established, making it an excellent low-maintenance landscaping option.
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