Call us: 0800 843 752Free shipping for orders $150 or over
Gift Vouchers

carex grass varieties

Carex grass varieties are among the most versatile and visually striking ornamental grasses available in New Zealand gardens. With their graceful foliage, fascinating textures, and a broad range of colours, carex grasses can transform any landscape—whether you’re designing a low-maintenance border, creating contrast in a mixed planting, or looking for groundcover solutions for tricky spots. Discover the diversity of carex grass varieties to suit every style, from modern courtyard spaces to lush, layered native plantings.

Carex flagellifera Green plant with lush and colourful foliage.

Carex flagellifera 'Green'

Carex flagellifera 'Green' is a NZ native, ornamental grass grown for its attractive foliage. It produces slender and lush, green leaves as it grows to 50 cm tall and the same width.

From $12.95

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Grasses
Height: 50 cm
Spread: 50 cm
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Wet, Wind
Garden uses: Banks, Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Ponds, Pool areas
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native, Riparian
Carex solandri grass in a NZ native planting.

Carex solandri

5 from 1 customers

Carex solandri is a NZ native, ornamental grass that features attractive, dark green foliage. The foliage emerges upright and develops a gentle and graceful arch as it expands. Dark brown seed heads in summer add an interesting element to this plant, which grows to 70 cm tall and the same width.

From $11.50

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Grasses
Height: 70 cm
Spread: 70 cm
Tolerances: Extended dry periods, Shade, Wet, Wind
Garden uses: Banks, Borders, Paths & Steps, Ponds
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Modern, Native, Riparian
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...

From$12.95
Orange foliage on Carex testacea.
Carex testacea

Carex testacea, commonly known as Orange Sedge, is a striking New Zealand native grass admired for its fine, arching foliage that turns a brilliant...

From$11.50
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 '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 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 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 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 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 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'...

From$9.95
Carex virgata grass plants in pots at The Plant Company nursery.
Carex virgata

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...

From$12.95
Lomandra Green Allure plant with lush, green foliage.
Lomandra 'Green Allure'

Lomandra 'Green Allure' is a hardy evergreen ornamental grass with fine fresh green foliage and a neat clumping habit. It is an excellent choice for...

From$16.95
isolepsis-cernua-1
Isolepis cernua (Scirpus cernua)

Isolepis cernua (Fiber Optic Grass) is a distinctive ornamental grass prized for its fine green stems tipped with tiny white flowers that resemble...

From$16.49
Cyperus ustulatus growing in water.
Cyperus ustulatus (Giant Umbrella Sedge)

Cyperus ustulatus, commonly known as the Giant Umbrella Sedge, is a large and robust NZ native grass. It grows as a clump and produces dark green...

From$17.25
Chrysopogon zizanioides grass plants growing alongside a stream.
Chrysopogon zizanioides

Chrysopogon zizanioides (Vetiver Grass) is a hardy, evergreen clump forming grass renowned for its deep root system, attractive upright foliage, and...

From$20.63
Dactylis glomerata plant with a cat.
Dactylis glomerata (Cat Grass)

Dactylis glomerata, commonly known as Cat Grass or Catnip Grass, is a popular grass that is loved by cats. It features flowing, green foliage held as...

From$22.01
Ophiopogon japonicus Silver Mist grass in a garden.
Ophiopogon 'Silver Mist' (Silver Mondo Grass)

Ophiopogon 'Silver Mist' is a dwarf silver Mondo Grass, and features fine, grass-like foliage that is variegated dark green and white. It typically...

From$6.95
festuca-banks-peninsula-blue-1
Festuca 'Banks Peninsula Blue' (Blue Fescue Grass)

Festuca 'Banks Peninsula Blue' is a striking ornamental grass valued for its fine, steel blue foliage that forms neat, compact clumps. This hardy...

From$14.49
An elegant Miscanthus sinensis grass with cream-coloured flower plumes and lush green foliage.
Miscanthus sinensis

Miscanthus sinensis is an ornamental grass that grows as a clump of narrow, arching, green leaves. The colouring gives a light silver-green effect to...

From$19.95
Austroderia fulvida (Toetoe) plants in a garden with cascading green foliage and white flower plumes.
Austroderia fulvida (Toetoe)

Austroderia fulvida, commonly known as Toetoe or Toi Toi, is a large and vigorous NZ native grass. It bears long, narrow, mid-green leaves that are...

From$13.73
Lomandra longifolia plant beside a path with lush, green foliage.
Lomandra longifolia (Basket Grass)

Lomandra longifolia (Basket Grass) is a resilient, evergreen ornamental grass native to Australia. Growing to approximately 60 cm in height and 65 cm...

From$16.95
Zebra grass (Miscanthus 'Zebrinus') leaves with cream and green stripes.
Miscanthus 'Zebrinus'

Miscanthus 'Zebrinus' (Zebra Grass) is a striking ornamental grass recognised for its bold horizontal yellow banding across arching green leaves...

From$19.95
Lomandra Tankia with lush green foliage bordering a path.
Lomandra 'Tanika'

Lomandra 'Tanika' is a hardy, Australian Native grass that is commonly known as Mat Rush. This grass features fine, deep-green foliage and a...

From$22.95
Sisyrinchium californicum plants with yellow flowers and fine, green foliage.
Sisyrinchium californicum

Sisyrinchium californicum, commonly known as the Golden Eyed Grass, is an herbaceous perennial grown for both its foliage and flowers. It bears...

From$17.25
Ophiopogon japonicus (Green Mondo Grass) growing as a groundcover in a woodland garden.
Ophiopogon japonicus

Ophiopogon japonicus, commonly known as green Mondo Grass, is a striking ornamental grass. It grows as a clump and produces a dense tuft of...

From$9.95
A stunning Amenity Ryegrass lawn.
Amenity Ryegrass Seed (Lawn Seed)

Rye Grass Seed lawns are quick to establish and features dark green leaves year-round. Our Amenity Rye Grass is a popular turf variety that is...

From$16.95
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 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...

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 coriacea plant in its natural environment.
Carex coriacea

Carex coriacea, commonly known as Rautahi, is a NZ native grass commonly found in swampy areas. It features slender foliage which is dark green and...

OUT OF STOCK
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...

OUT OF STOCK
Carex flagellifera 'Green'

Did you find what you are looking for?

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

Search carex grass

Why Choose Carex Grass Varieties?

Carex grass varieties offer year-round interest with their ever-changing hues and adaptable forms. Many species are evergreen, ensuring that your garden looks lush in every season. They thrive in a wide range of conditions, from damp stream-sides to dry slopes, and are valued for their tolerance to shade and low maintenance needs. Carex grasses are also excellent for erosion control, encouraging biodiversity, and providing attractive cover in both residential and commercial landscapes.

Popular Carex Grass Varieties for New Zealand Gardens

Explore some of the most sought-after carex grass varieties known for their unique features and reliable performance:

Carex 'Rekohu Sunrise'

This carex stands out for its bright, golden-yellow foliage edged with deep green, bringing a sense of light and vibrancy to shaded or semi-shaded positions. Carex 'Rekohu Sunrise' forms compact clumps, making it an eye-catching choice for borders or containers.

Carex 'Blue Cascade' (Blue Sedge Grass)

With graceful, arching leaves in silvery-blue tones, Carex 'Blue Cascade' (Blue Sedge Grass) is perfect for softening the edges of garden beds or water features. Its cascading habit adds movement and a cool, calming aesthetic wherever it is planted.

Carex Evergold

Cherished for its creamy-yellow striped leaves with deep green margins, Carex Evergold brings cheerful colour to shaded and partially shaded sites. This compact variety is ideal for edging pathways, tucking into rock gardens, or brightening up those difficult corners under trees.

Carex Spark Plug

Upright and narrow, Carex Spark Plug offers a more vertical accent with fine, bluish-green foliage and creamy highlights. It’s a favourite among gardeners seeking height and contrast without overpowering companion plants.

Carex 'Feather Falls'

The lush, cascading form of Carex 'Feather Falls' makes it perfect for spilling over walls, hanging baskets, or mass planting. Its long, ribbon-like leaves remain fresh-looking, even in less hospitable garden spots.

How to Grow and Care for Carex Grass Varieties

Most carex grass varieties are easy to establish and require minimal upkeep once settled. Plant them in well-drained soil—some thrive in damp ground, so check your selected species’ preference. Many varieties enjoy dappled shade but will tolerate full sun with adequate moisture. An annual tidy-up of old foliage in late winter keeps them looking their best. Their resilience, adaptability, and visual appeal make carex grasses a must-have for New Zealand gardens keen on effortless year-round beauty.

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.
While Griselinia 'Canterbury' and Austrocylindropuntia vestita (Furry Cactus) often steal the spotlight, charming plants like Buddleia 'Royal Red', Orange 'Valencia', and Michelia 'Velvet and Cream' quietly shine in any garden.
–The Plant Company

Explore Garden Inspiration

Sign up to receive a free $10 Voucher You won’t be bombarded with emails, just titbits of quality information from time to time Sign up
Free shipping on orders over $150!

Join our community of happy customers.

4.8

466 Google reviews