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Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
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types of carex

Carex is a diverse genus renowned for its resilient, adaptable sedges that bring fine texture and beautiful movement to New Zealand gardens. With hundreds of species to choose from, including natives perfect for local landscapes, there’s a type of Carex to suit almost any garden style—from bold statement planters to lush, low-maintenance ground covers. If you’re searching for types of Carex, you’ll find valued options for sun, shade, wetland planting, container gardens, and erosion control. Discover how versatile these hardy grasses can be and why they’re a favourite among both beginner and expert gardeners.

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 orange and copper tone, especially in full sun. This hardy evergreen sedge adds year round texture and colour to gardens and landscapes.

Buy Carex testacea

From $11.50

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

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.

Buy Carex virgata

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

Popular Types of Carex for New Zealand Gardens

When it comes to adding year-round interest and easy-care elegance, certain types of Carex stand out for their colour, texture, and durability. Here are some of our most popular varieties:

Carex ‘Blue Cascade’ (Blue Sedge Grass)

Loved for its cascading, graceful blue-green foliage, Carex 'Blue Cascade' (Blue Sedge Grass) is a top choice for adding cool tones to borders and pots. This variety thrives in partial shade and moist, well-drained soils, making it an excellent accent around ponds or shady garden beds. It naturally forms soft, flowing clumps perfect for softening hard edges.

Carex testacea

With its striking orange-bronze tones, Carex testacea adds warmth and contrast year-round. This NZ native is well-known for its toughness, coping well with coastal conditions, wind, and even dry sites once established. It's ideal for mass planting, where the fine, arching foliage can catch the light and create waves of colour through the landscape.

Carex virgata

Carex virgata is a robust wetland sedge prized for its upright, deep green leaves and tidy habit. It’s often used for wetland restoration projects and around ponds, where it helps with soil stabilisation and habitat creation. In home gardens, Carex virgata stands up well to heavy soils and naturally boggy spots.

Carex ‘Rekohu Sunrise’

For gardeners seeking vibrant, golden-edged leaves, Carex 'Rekohu Sunrise' delivers year-round cheer. This New Zealand-bred sedge is hardy, ornamental, and supremely easy to maintain—a fantastic addition to both contemporary landscapes and naturalistic plantings.

Carex buchananii (Buchanans Sedge)

Renowned for its rich coppery tones, Carex buchananii (Buchanans Sedge) brings unique colour and texture to any setting. Its upright, curled foliage looks stunning in group plantings, mixed borders, or even as a low-growing feature in pots.

How to Choose Among Types of Carex

When deciding which types of Carex to plant, consider your garden’s style, growing conditions, and the look you want to achieve. For wetter, shadier spots, species like Carex virgata and Carex ‘Blue Cascade’ excel. Drier, sunnier positions suit Carex testacea and Carex buchananii, known for their drought tolerance and adaptability. Don’t forget the impact of foliage—choose contrasting colours and textures to create a garden that’s lively all year.

Explore our extensive range of Carex to discover the perfect type for your landscape plans. Whether you’re creating mass plantings, textural highlights, or low-maintenance borders, there’s a Carex variety to inspire every gardener.

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.

types of carex

Carex testacea

Carex virgata

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