Carex flagellifera - Weeping Brown Sedge

Colour and form are the best attributes for this New Zealand sedge. As a young plant the bronze-red fine-textured leaves are very attractive and as it matures the upright leaves start to arch over to the ground.

I still can't believe that Carex flagellifera is both hardy and can be grown in full sun. When grown in shade, the leaves appear more a reddish-green colour. Evergreen in milder climates, hardy to at least Zone 6 (possibly Zone 5), this sedge will quietly enhance any suitable landscape for many years with minimal care.

The high arching clumps are very effective when planted quite close together.

Description: high arching clumps; evergreen in milder climates
Foliage - reddish brown; narrow blade width; 35-50 cm (14-20") tall
Flowers - sparse; in late spring; 50-75 cm (20-30")

Ideal conditions: full sun or light shade; moist fertile soil

Coldest Zone: 6, possibly Zone 5 (find your zone; further info on plant hardiness)

Partner with: evergreens, Bergenia, Heuchera (Coral bells), Iris, Zauschneria

Season of interest: year-round in milder climates

Drought tolerance rating: 2 (water to root depth once every 2 weeks); further info

Native to: New Zealand

Recommended spacing between plants: 50-100 cm (20-40") why such a difference?

Pronunciation: Carex (KAIR-ex) flagellifera (FLAH-jill-ih-fer-ah)

More ornamental grasses

Compare Carex flagellifera to our other grasses in this handy chart.