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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.

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

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. With its resilience, low maintenance needs, and ecological value, Swamp Sedge is widely used in riparian planting, restoration projects, and naturalistic NZ gardens.

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 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$13.43
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$15.53
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...

From$26.33
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$13.43
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...

From$15.53
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$10.13
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$26.33
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$13.43
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$15.53
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...

From$26.33
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$15.53
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$13.43
Clonex Rooting Hormone one litre bottle.

Rooting Hormone (Rooting Hormone)

Clonex is the preferred rooting hormone for nurseries across NZ and the world. It is the industry standard for rooting softwood, semi-hardwood, and...

From$148.75
Plagianthus regius as a small tree in a garden.

Plagianthus regius (Ribbonwood)

Plagianthus regius, commonly known as Ribbonwood or Manatu, is one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing native trees. It can reach 10–15 metres tall and...

From$24.23
ignite-herbicide-1

Ignite Herbicide

Ignite is a selective herbicide used to control foreign grasses in a Fine Fescue lawn. It is not to be used on Tall Fescue or any other lawn types...

From$276.78
prunus-laurocerasus-3

Prunus laurocerasus

Prunus laurocerasus, commonly known as cherry laurel, is a versatile evergreen tree renowned for its dense, glossy dark green leaves and fragrant...

From$24.23
enhanced-compost-

Enhanced Compost

The Plant Company Enhanced Compost has been supplemented with the right balance of both quick release and controlled release fertilisers. It can be...

From$46.91
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Tree Fertiliser (Tree Fertiliser)

Using tree fertiliser results in plants having better quality foliage, more profuse flowering, stronger stems, and a much healthier and brighter...

From$12.50
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Native Plant Fertiliser (Native Fertiliser)

Selecting the correct native plant fertiliser is essential as they often tend to be slow growing and so require a tailored nutrient plan to meet...

From$12.50
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Bahco Grafting Knife

This grafting knife from Bacho is the industry standard for all types of grafting including cleft, side approach, and air layering. The design...

From$89.98
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Vegetable Fertiliser (Vegetable Fertiliser)

Vegetable plants respond exceptionally well to The Plant Company’s vegetable fertiliser with better quality produce, higher yields, and a much...

From$12.50
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Rose Fertiliser

Roses respond exceptionally well to rose fertiliser with better quality flowers and foliage, stronger stems, and a much healthier and brighter...

From$12.50
Carex testacea

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You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Carex Plagianthus and Prunus, or related Categories - General Garden Fertiliser, Native Plant Fertiliser, Rose Fertiliser, Vegetable Fertiliser, Compost, Grafting and Budding, Rooting Hormone, Herbicides, Grasses Deciduous Trees and Flowering Cherry Tree.

Search types of carex

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.

You know Ficus Tuffi and Photinia 'Red Robin', but have you met Camellia 'Apple Blossom', Peperomia scandens, and Portulaca Pazzaz Yellow (Yellow Portulaca)? These beauties are worth a closer look.
–The Plant Company

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