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carex varieties

Carex varieties are some of the most versatile and attractive grasses you can add to your New Zealand garden. With their graceful foliage, wide range of colours, and adaptable growth habits, Carex species are perfect for everything from modern landscaping to naturalistic plantings. Whether you're after a striking container plant, a lush groundcover, or a feature in a shady corner, exploring the different Carex varieties can help you find the perfect fit for your outdoor space.

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 $11.50

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 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 leaves as it grows to 50 cm tall and the same width.

From $11.50

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, Mediterranean, Modern, Native
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 '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 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
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 '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...

From$19.95
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 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 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$11.50
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$8.50
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...

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 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 Brown grass.
Carex flagellifera Brown (Weeping Brown Sedge)

Carex flagellifera Brown is grown for its colourful and attractive foliage. This NZ native grass carries cascading, brown foliage as it grows to 80...

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 'Bronze Delight' plants growing around the base of a tree..
Carex Bronze Delight (Bronze Sedge)

Carex Bronze Delight is a NZ native, ornamental grass grown for its colourful and attractive foliage. It produces slender, bronze coloured foliage as...

OUT OF STOCK
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 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...

OUT OF STOCK
Carex pumila plants growing on a sand dune.
Carex pumila (Blue Dune Sedge)

Carex pumila is a hardy New Zealand native sand sedge valued for its ability to stabilise dunes and coastal areas. This evergreen perennial spreads...

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 '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...

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...

OUT OF STOCK
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 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
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 '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 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 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...

OUT OF STOCK
Carex chathamica grass in a pot with green foliage and purple-red flowers.
Carex chathamica (Chatham Sedge)

Carex chathamica, commonly known as Chatham Sedge, is a NZ native grass commonly found in swampy areas. It features slender foliage which is dark...

OUT OF STOCK
Carex albula plant with green foliage.
Carex albula (White Sedge)

Carex albula, commonly known as Curly Sedge, Hair Sedge, or White Sedge, produces delicate, buff-green foliage that is held in a dense tuft. The...

OUT OF STOCK
Carex flagellifera Green

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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 Varieties for Your Garden?

Carex varieties, often called sedges, excel in both aesthetic appeal and sustainability. These grasses thrive in a variety of conditions, from full sun to partial shade, and many are tolerant of damp soils. Their evergreen foliage brings year-round interest to garden beds, borders, and pots. Gardeners in New Zealand appreciate Carex for its low maintenance requirements and ability to suppress weeds once established. With so many Carex varieties available, there's a solution for almost any garden challenge.

Top Carex Varieties for New Zealand Landscapes

If you're interested in discovering standout Carex varieties, here are some options loved by home gardeners and landscape professionals alike:

Planting and Caring for Carex Varieties

Most Carex varieties prefer a moist, well-draining soil, although many will tolerate drier conditions once established. They perform best in sites with morning sun and afternoon shade, but many varieties are adaptable to both full sun and shadier spots. Good mulching practices help retain soil moisture and keep roots cool. Pruning is rarely necessary—simply tidy up any damaged foliage in early spring for a fresh flush of growth.

Using Carex Varieties in Garden Design

The versatility of Carex varieties makes them ideal for a range of landscaping applications. Try mass planting for a meadow-like effect, or use as edging and groundcover beneath trees and shrubs. They pair beautifully with flowering perennials, native New Zealand ferns, and even in containers for a contemporary look.

Explore the diversity of Carex varieties to bring texture, colour, and year-round interest to your garden. Each brings unique beauty and hardiness, making Carex an essential part of any Kiwi garden design.

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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