Santa Rosa Gardens - Spring/Summer 2008 - (Page 45) E Sedge Carex belongs to the sedge family, Cyperaceae. Those of the genus Carex may be called “true” sedges, and is the most extensive of the family. Sedges superficially resemble grasses or rushes, but their leaves have edges, and their solid stems are rectangular rather than being round like grasses or rushes. Sedge flowers are inconspicuous—they’re small and have no petals. As clumping plants, sedges tend not to be invasive, and they do well in pots, window boxes, and other containers. They add to the visual appeal of rock gardens, define paths, and accent borders. Their arching sprays and sharp silhouettes are excellent for adding an architectural flair and contrast in your garden. Plant in masses for a splendid effect. For all sedges, an occasional combing to get rid of older leaves will encourage new growth and improve appearance. Some sedges require pruning for best appearance and control. In general, sedges thrive in both full sun and partial shade, withstand the confinement of containers if not allowed to dry out, and are water-tolerant. F Carex buchananii Leatherleaf sedge. One of the best known of the New Zealand sedges, grown for its narrowleaved, dense, erect tussocks of russet-red or a copper-bronze color. Plants exhibit a strong, vertical form when young, then arch downward with age and possess distinctly curled leaf tips and inconspicuous flowers. Needs a well-draining soil. Height 18–24" Spacing 1' Zones 7–9 CAR-BUC $5.99 Carex comans ‘Frosted Curls’ Compact, fine textured, weeping, frosted green foliage appears almost iridescent and is curled and twisted at the tip. Prefers average to dry, well-draining soils. Drought tolerant once established. Useful in the rock garden, along paths, or used in mass plantings at the front of the bed. Suitable for container growing. Inconspicuous flowers. Height 12–16" Spacing 1' Zones 7–9 CAR-FRO $5.99 I. Carex dolichostachya ‘Kaga-Nishiki’ H. Carex comans ‘Bronze’ G Bronze sweet flag. This bronze-colored sedge makes a unique addition to the garden. Thin foliage gracefully arches to form an attractive mound. Winter and early season growth is tinged a beautiful coppery-pink, tipped with silver. Its color and elegant form make it particularly useful for winter containers where it looks good planted with spring bulbs and ivies. Prefers moist, well-draining soil. Inconspicuous flowers. Height 10–18" Spacing 8–12" Zones 7–9 CAR-BRO $5.99 Gold fountains. An elegant Japanese sedge with a fountain-like form that graces the woodland garden with a mound of slender, emeraldgreen, grassy leaves bordered in gold. Excellent in a container. Needs adequate moisture. Height 12–16" Spacing 12–18" Zones 5–9 CAR-GOL $5.99 KNOW YOUR ZONE? See page 28. H A I www.santarosagardens.com · Toll Free: 1-866-681-0856 45 http://www.santarosagardens.com
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