Syn: Orange Sedge, New Zealand Hair Sedge, Speckled Sedge
Carex testacea
$7.00
Carex testacea (Orange Sedge) is a hardy, evergreen New Zealand native sedge known for its fine, olive-green foliage that matures to a brilliant orange-bronze, especially in full sun. It forms dense, 50-60cm tall, arching clumps, making it ideal for mass planting, rock gardens, or coastal landscapes. It requires full sun/part shade, well-drained soil, and is drought-tolerant once established.
Appearance: A dense, tufted, evergreen tussock with very fine, narrow, hair-like foliage. Leaves are olive-green when young or in shade, but transition to a striking orange, copper, or bronze hue in full sun.
Habit: Clump-forming with arching, weeping foliage that can create a “mound” effect.
Size: Grows to approximately 50-60 cm in height and width.
Flowers: Inconspicuous, brown flower spikes appear from late spring to summer (September to December in native habitat).
Root System: Fibrous and dense.
Habitat: Native to New Zealand, found in sand dunes, coastal areas, and forests.
Light: Prefers full sun for the best orange color, but tolerates partial shade.
Soil: Thrives in well-drained, sandy, or loamy soils. It is not picky about pH.
Water: Drought-tolerant once established, but prefers moderate, consistent moisture to look its best.
Temperature: Very hardy, tolerating wind and frost.
Maintenance: Low maintenance. Remove dead leaves in summer if necessary. Old, woody clumps can be lifted and divided in early spring, or replaced with younger plants.
Uses: Excellent for container planting, coastal gardens, mass planting for erosion control, and modern, textured landscape designs.
