Carex virgata

Name: Carex virgata
Brand: The Plant Company
SKU: 10055f
Price: 14.16 NZD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5.0 (2 reviews)

5

Pukio Plant, Cutty Grass NZ

Carex virgata, commonly known as Pukio or Swamp Sedge, is a fast growing, NZ native grass, often found in swampy areas. It features handsome, bright green leaves that have a graceful arch, and typically grows to 1 m tall and the same wide, though it will colonise larger areas with time. The vigorous and colonising nature of Carex virgata makes it ideal for wetland plantings and planting alongside meandering streams. It has great aesthetics that also makes it a lovely addition to a mixed planting or border.

Suited to regions:	All regions
Plant type:	Grasses
Height:	1.00 m
Spread:	1.00 m
Flowering time:
Tolerances:	Coastal, Hardy, Shade, Wet, Wind
Garden uses:	Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Ponds, Pool areas
Garden styles:	Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native, Riparian
Easy to grow?	Yes
Maintenance requirements	Low
Growth rate	Medium
Also known as	Pukio Plant, Cutty Grass NZ

What is the optimum Carex virgata spacing?

The optimum Carex virgata spacing for the plants to merge and become an effective ground cover is 80 cm apart. However, if you want them to grow as a unique plant, they will need to be spaced at least 1.2 metres apart. The spacing for having them merging to a limited degree is 80-90 cm apart.

What are the landscaping uses for Carex virgata in NZ?

Carex virgata is a popular choice in landscaping projects across NZ. It is commonly mass planted either as a ground cover or on a bank, included in borders or mixed plantings, or planted around wetland areas. This hardy, NZ native grass is also perfect for gardens around commercial buildings that are often somewhat neglected, particularly those with wetter areas such as drains and the like. Carex virgata is favoured by landscape designers across NZ due to its tidy form and versatility. It can grow well in both wet and dry areas and makes an effective ground cover plant with pleasant aesthetics.

Carex virgata for sale in NZ

The Plant Company has the best Carex virgata for sale in NZ. Our production nursery specialises in growing amazing plants and our logistics team pack them carefully for our customers. The pricing is competitive and the quality is exceptional. Let us look after your plant and grass needs and impress you with both our products and service!

What size does Carex virgata grow to?

Carex virgata grows to about 1 m tall and the same wide and it will reach this inside of three years with optimal growing conditions. If the growing conditions are less favourable, the plants may stay smaller and will take longer to reach their mature size.

What are the Carex virgata common names?

The common names for Carex virgata include: Pūkio and Swamp Sedge. Swamp Sedge is the most commonly used name.

Can Carex virgata grow on clay?

The best growing conditions for Carex virgata are a full sun or part shade position on a well-drained site. However, this is a hardy plant that tolerates frost, drought, cold climates, wind, coastal climates, and most soil types, except extreme wet. It will grow on clay soils but not in water-logged conditions.

Carex virgata pruning

The primary reason for pruning Carex virgata is to remove dead or damaged foliage. This helps maintain the plant's aesthetic appeal and promotes healthy new growth. Such light pruning can be done any time. If more aggressive pruning is required that requires 50% of the vegetation to be removed, this is generally undertaken during summer when the plants are actively growing. The plants can safely be cut back by up to 75% during this time. The Plant Company recommends that the plants have at least 10 cm of growth at the base of the plant remaining during any severe pruning. Avoid heavy pruning in winter as the plants may struggle to grow back.