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

Orange Sedge

If you’re searching for a vibrant and resilient addition to your garden, look no further than orange sedge (Carex testacea). This stunning grass features striking orange-hued foliage that gracefully sways in the breeze, adding both texture and a pop of color to your landscape. Native to New Zealand, Carex testacea thrives in a variety of conditions, making it an excellent choice for gardeners looking to enhance their outdoor spaces with low-maintenance yet visually appealing plants.

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. Adaptable and low maintenance, Orange Sedge is perfect for mass planting, borders, and modern designs, bringing warmth and movement to NZ gardens.

Orange foliage on Carex testacea.
  • 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 buchananii with lush brown foliage growing as a specimen plant in a rock garden.
Most Popular

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$13.43
Carex comans Bronze plant in a garden with dense bronze foliage.
Most Popular

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$10.13
Carex flagellifera Green plant with lush and colourful foliage.
Most Popular

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...

From$15.53
Carex flagellifera Red plants.
Most Popular

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$13.43
Carex 'Frosted Curls' plants with elegant green foliage growing in a pot with other plants.
Most Popular

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$13.43
Lomandra Little Con plants with fine, green foliage.
Most Popular

Lomandra Little Con

Lomandra Little Con is a compact, evergreen ornamental grass known for its delicate, lush green foliage and tidy, rounded form. Growing to...

From$16.13
Acorus gramineus Ogon growing in water beside a rock.
Most Popular

Acorus gramineus 'Ogon'

Acorus gramineus 'Ogon' also called Japanese Sweet Flag is a graceful evergreen with striking gold and green blades that brighten damp and shaded...

From$16.13
Zebra grass (Miscanthus 'Zebrinus') leaves with cream and green stripes.
Most Popular

Miscanthus 'Zebrinus'

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

From$21.53
Lomandra White Sands with elegant, variegated foliage in a courtyard garden.
Most Popular

Lomandra White Sands

Lomandra White Sands is a fabulous ornamental grass renowned for its variegated foliage. It features arching, cream, and green-striped leaves and...

From$25.58
Chionochloa flavicans (Miniature ToeToe) plants with cascading cream-coloured flowers.
Most Popular

Chionochloa flavicans (Miniature Toetoe)

Chionochloa flavicans, commonly known as Miniature ToeToe or Dwarf Toe Toe, is a highly popular NZ native grass. It has flowing, green foliage and...

From$9.01
Carex testacea

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring Carex or Grasses.

Search Carex testacea

Characteristics of Orange Sedge

The orange sedge is known for its unique, arching blades that can grow up to 60 cm long. The foliage transitions beautifully from bright orange in the warmer months to a more subdued tone in cooler seasons, providing year-round interest in your garden. This plant is particularly drought-tolerant once established, making it ideal for those trying to conserve water or those with busy lifestyles.

When placed in well-draining soil, Carex testacea can flourish in a variety of environments, from coastal gardens to more mountainous areas. Its adaptability means that you can integrate it into both planting schemes and functional garden beds or use it as an eye-catching borders.

Planting and Care Tips

To cultivate your orange sedge successfully, choose a sunny to partially shaded location with well-drained soil. While Carex testacea is hardy and can tolerate a range of conditions, it thrives when watered regularly during dry spells. Regular trimming will encourage fresh growth and keep the foliage looking its best. It’s also beneficial to remove any brown leaves to maintain its attractive appearance.

For those seeking a unique garden design, consider pairing orange sedge with other ornamental grasses such as Carex comans Bronze or Carex comans Red to create a visually stunning arrangement. The warm tones of these grasses complement the vibrant hue of orange sedge beautifully.

Companion Plants

Creating a harmonious plant combination can elevate your garden design. Orange sedge works well with an array of other native plants. For instance, combining it with Uncinia rubra adds a contrasting texture and color that enhances the overall scenic effect of your garden.

Another fantastic choice is Liriope Silver Ribbon, which offers a silvery-green tint that beautifully offsets the orange blades of your sedge. Alternatively, consider adding the unique foliage of Carex Frosted Curls or Baumea tenax to create an engaging, multi-dimensional landscape that thrives while requiring minimal upkeep.

Conclusion

Incorporating Carex testacea, or orange sedge, into your garden not only elevates its aesthetic appeal but also enhances its ecological value. With its adaptability, low-maintenance requirements, and stunning appearance, this grass is an ideal choice for any gardening enthusiast. Explore our selection today and discover how orange sedge can transform your outdoor living space into a vibrant sanctuary.


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.

Avocado 'Reed' and Ficus benjamina are popular for a reason, but it’s plants like Carex dissita (Purei), Stachys lanata, and Hemerocallis Wine Delight (Wine Delight Daylily) that create a truly unique 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.

4.9

429 Google reviews