Growing Sedge: Tips at a Glance
Carex is the most popular sedge: It's a hardy lawn substitute, adds texture in a planter, and brightens a dark corner. Sedges have sharp edges; wear gloves.
- Type Grassy
- Lifespan Perennial
- USDA Zones 5-9
- Light Thrives in shade
- Water Moist soil
- Foliage Copper, green, blue
- Where to Plant Edge a path
- Design Tip Black sedge (C. nigra)
- Companions Hosta, fescue
Sedge: A Field Guide
Carex is the most popular sedge, because of its versatility: It’s a hardy lawn substitute, adds texture in a planter, and brightens a dark corner in a landscape.
Though thousands of sedges populate the Cyperaceae family, Carex is the only genus designated “true sedge.” Another truism: “Sedges have edges,” so garden with gloves when you handle these sharp-bladed plants.