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carex for sun

If you’re looking for resilient, attractive grasses to brighten up sunny spots in your New Zealand garden, choosing carex for sun is an excellent solution. Carex is a diverse genus of sedges with many sun-tolerant species that offer vibrant colour, reliable structure, and low-maintenance beauty. Perfect for borders, rockeries, or mass planting, sun-loving Carex varieties provide year-round interest and thrive in the challenging conditions that often come with exposed sites. Read on to discover the best carex for sun and tips for growing these striking grasses in sunny locations.

Orange foliage on Carex testacea.

Carex testacea

5 from 4 customers

Carex testacea, commonly known as Orange Sedge, is a striking New Zealand native grass admired for its fine, arching foliage that turns a brilliant orange and copper tone, especially in full sun. This hardy evergreen sedge adds year round texture and colour to gardens and landscapes.

From $12.95

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Grasses
Height: 50 cm
Spread: 50 cm
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Wet, Wind
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Parks, Paths & Steps, Patios, Ponds, Pool areas, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Native
Carex virgata grass plants in pots at The Plant Company nursery.

Carex virgata

5 from 3 customers

Carex virgata, commonly known as Swamp Sedge, is a hardy New Zealand native sedge that thrives in wetlands, damp soils, and along waterways. It forms dense clumps of upright green foliage, making it excellent for stabilising soil and providing habitat for wildlife.

From $12.95

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Grasses
Height: 1.00 m
Spread: 1.00 m
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Shade, Wet, Wind
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Ponds, Pool areas
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native, Riparian
Carex dipsacea plants as a mass planting in a garden.
Carex dipsacea (Teasel Sedge)

Carex dipsacea is a fine-leaved, clump-forming sedge native to New Zealand. It features slender, green to bronze-tinted foliage and grows to...

From$12.95
Carex oshimensis 'Everillo' lime-green plants in a border garden.
Carex oshimensis 'Everillo'

Carex oshimensis ‘Everillo’ is a standout ornamental sedge prized for its vivid lime yellow foliage that adds instant brightness to NZ gardens. This...

From$19.95
Carex 'Frosted Curls' plants with elegant green foliage growing in a pot with other plants.
Carex Frosted Curls

Carex Frosted Curls is an ornamental grass with slender, hair-like, iridescent foliage that shimmers in light breezes. It typically grows to 30 cm...

From$11.50
Carex comans green plants with dense, green foliage in a garden.
Carex comans Green

Carex comans Green is a NZ native, ornamental grass featuring slender and arching, lime green foliage. It grows as a tidy clump to about 40 cm tall...

From$11.50
Carex buchananii with lush brown foliage growing as a specimen plant in a rock garden.
Carex buchananii (Buchanans Sedge)

Carex buchananii, commonly known as Leatherleaf Sedge, is a striking New Zealand native grass-like plant with delicate, upright, copper-bronze...

From$11.50
Carex solandri grass in a NZ native planting.
Carex solandri

Carex solandri is a NZ native, ornamental grass that features attractive, dark green foliage. The foliage emerges upright and develops a gentle and...

From$11.50
Carex dissita (Purei) plant growing in a native garden.
Carex dissita (Purei)

Carex dissita, commonly known as Purei or Forest Sedge, features arching, mid-green leaves that radiate from a central clump. It typically grows to...

From$12.95
Carex comans Bronze plant in a garden with dense bronze foliage.
Carex comans Bronze

Carex comans Bronze features slender, hair-like, bronze-brown foliage. It typically grows to 40 cm tall and the same width. Carex comans Bronze is...

From$9.95
Carex flagellifera Red plants.
Carex flagellifera Red

Carex flagellifera Red is a NZ native, ornamental grass grown for its colourful and attractive foliage. It produces slender and lush, copper-red...

From$11.50
Carex tenuiculmis red-bronze coloured plant.
Carex tenuiculmis

Carex tenuiculmis is a NZ native, ornamental grass that features striking red-bronze foliage held with a graceful arch. It grows as a tidy clump...

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Carex flacca grass plants as a mass planting.
Carex flacca

Carex flacca is a hardy ornamental sedge valued for its fine textured blue grey foliage and spreading clumping habit. This attractive grass like...

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Carex geminata plant with cascading green foliage.
Carex geminata (Rautahi)

Carex geminata, commonly known as Rautahi, is a fine-leaved New Zealand native sedge that forms dense, tufted clumps up to 50 cm tall. Its slender...

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Carex trifida grass plants with blue-green foliage and brown flower heads.
Carex trifida

Carex trifida, commonly known as Mutton Bird Sedge, is a bold New Zealand native sedge valued for its large, arching, dark green foliage. Naturally...

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carex-blue-cascade-
Carex 'Blue Cascade' (Blue Sedge Grass)

Carex 'Blue Cascade' is a striking ornamental grass valued for its flowing blue grey foliage and graceful cascading habit. This evergreen sedge adds...

OUT OF STOCK
Carex 'Everlime' plants for sale at The Plant Company nursery.
Carex 'Everlime' (Lime Grass Plant)

Carex ‘Everlime’ (Japanese Sedge) is a popular evergreen sedge valued for its graceful arching green foliage edged with bright lime cream margins...

OUT OF STOCK
Carex flagellifera grass with elegant bronze foliage.
Carex flagellifera

Carex flagellifera is a fine-textured, clump-forming sedge native to New Zealand, admired for its bronze to coppery foliage and graceful arching...

OUT OF STOCK
Carex raotest plant with cascading green foliage in a native reserve.
Carex raotest (Orange Dune Sedge)

Carex raotest is a hardy New Zealand native sedge valued for its fine textured foliage and reliable clumping habit. This versatile plant provides...

OUT OF STOCK
Carex 'Caramel Curls' bronze coloured foliage.
Carex 'Caramel Curls'

Carex 'Caramel Curls' is a striking ornamental sedge admired for its cascading, curly foliage in shades of bronze and caramel. This evergreen...

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Carex 'Evergold' colourful grasses in a garden.
Carex Evergold

Carex ‘Evergold’ is a compact, evergreen ornamental grass valued for its striking variegated foliage. The arching leaves are green with a...

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Carex 'Everest' grass in a pot featuring green and cream variegated foliage.
Carex 'Everest' (Japanese Sedge Plant)

Carex 'Everest' is a striking ornamental grass valued for its arching green foliage edged with crisp white variegation. This evergreen sedge adds...

OUT OF STOCK
Carex appressa grass in a natural habitat.
Carex appressa (Tall Sedge)

Carex appressa is a robust New Zealand native sedge valued for its upright form, lush green foliage, and excellent tolerance of wet conditions. This...

OUT OF STOCK
Carex 'Rekohu Sunrise' variegated foliage.
Carex 'Rekohu Sunrise'

Carex trifida Rekohu Sunrise is a beautiful NZ native grass featuring variegated, arching green and cream coloured foliage. This elegant plant grows...

OUT OF STOCK
Carex 'Spark Plug' plant with variegated foliage.
Carex Spark Plug

Carex 'Spark Plug' is a compact ornamental sedge valued for its fine textured foliage and neat rounded growth habit. This hardy evergreen grass adds...

OUT OF STOCK
Carex glauca (Blue Sedge) plants as a ground cover.
Carex glauca

Carex glauca, commonly known as Blue Sedge, is a striking ornamental grass valued for its fine blue grey foliage and graceful clumping habit. This...

OUT OF STOCK
Carex secta plants growing as a border garden in a commercial car park.
Carex secta (Swamp Sedge)

Carex secta, commonly known as Pukio, is a striking New Zealand native sedge admired for its large, tussock forming habit and golden green foliage...

OUT OF STOCK
A Carex petriei plant with bronze coloured foliage.
Carex petriei

Carex petriei is a hardy New Zealand native sedge admired for its fine, bronze coloured foliage and low maintenance nature. This evergreen perennial...

OUT OF STOCK
Carex 'Feather Falls' plants with variegated foliage in a garden.
Carex 'Feather Falls'

Carex 'Feather Falls' is a popular ornamental grass characterised by its cream and green variegated leaves. It typically grows to 30 cm tall and the...

OUT OF STOCK
Carex lessoniana green foliage.
Carex lessoniana (Rautahi)

Carex lessoniana is a robust New Zealand native sedge valued for its tall, upright foliage and adaptability to wetland and garden environments. Often...

OUT OF STOCK
Carex ternaria plant growing in water.
Carex ternaria

Carex ternaria is a NZ native sedge grass commonly found in swampy areas. It features slender foliage which is dark green and held densely as it...

OUT OF STOCK
Carex 'Goldband' plant with elegant gold and green foliage.
Carex morrowii 'Goldband'

Carex morrowii 'Goldband' is a striking ornamental grass valued for its arching green foliage highlighted with vibrant golden yellow variegation...

OUT OF STOCK
Carex testacea

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You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Carex, or related Categories - Grasses.

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Why Choose Carex for Sun?

Carex for sun is a clever choice for gardeners who want texture, movement, and enduring colour in full-sun positions. Unlike some softer grasses, many Carex species have tough foliage that doesn’t scorch or wither in harsh sunlight. Their adaptability means they’ll perform well in open beds, slopes, containers, and even as street-side plantings. With their tolerance of varying soil types and low water requirements once established, carex for sun is ideal for both urban landscapes and rural gardens.

Top Sun-Loving Carex Varieties

Certain Carex species are particularly well-suited for sunny gardens. Here are some favourites:

Planting and Care Tips

When planting carex for sun, choose a well-drained site and water regularly while establishing. Spread mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Most carex species are robust and require minimal fertiliser; simply tidy old foliage in late winter to maintain appearance. For best colour, plant where leaves will catch plenty of sunshine. Carex can be divided every few years to maintain vigour and multiply your plantings.

Versatile Uses in Sunny Gardens

Carex for sun is perfect for mixed borders, pathway edges, and container gardens. Try mass planting Carex testacea for a warm, coppery glow or combine Carex oshimensis 'Everillo' with cool-toned natives for a dramatic contrast. These carex species also make superb ground covers and help suppress weeds, enhancing both the look and function of your garden.

Choose your favourite carex for sun and enjoy colourful, low-care grasses year-round in your New Zealand landscape.

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

Illustration of plant leaves.
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–The Plant Company

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