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

Lepidosperma laterale

Variable Swordsedge

Lepidosperma laterale, commonly known as the Variable Swordsedge, is a sedge with green foliage that is often orange-red at the base. Brown seed heads are borne across the plant during summer. This NZ native, perennial grass typically grows to 1 m tall and the same width. Lepidosperma laterale is commonly added to mixed plantings, mass-planted on a bank, used in riparian plantings, or included in coastal gardens.

Lepidosperma laterale plant with colourful foliage.

Lepidosperma laterale (Variable Swordsedge) is currently unavailable.

Notify me when this is available:
Please enter your email address below if you would like to know when it becomes available again.

Suited to regions:All regions
Plant type:Grasses
Height:1.00 m
Spread:1.00 m
Flowering time:Summer
Tolerances:Coastal, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses:Borders, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Pool areas
Garden styles:Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native, Woodland
Easy to grow?Yes
Maintenance requirementsLow
Growth rateMedium
Also known asVariable Swordsedge
Sku10124

What growing conditions does Lepidosperma laterale prefer?

Lepidosperma laterale grows best in full sun to partial shade with moist, well-drained soil. It thrives in sandy or loamy soils and is tolerant of nutrient-poor conditions, making it ideal for coastal, heathland, or open woodland settings. This hardy, clumping sedge tolerates dry periods once established and is also frost- and wind-tolerant. It’s well-suited for native plantings, restoration projects, or low-maintenance landscaping in a wide range of environments.

Questions and Answers

Have a question about Lepidosperma laterale (Variable Swordsedge)? We are here to help.

Lepidosperma australe grass growing in a wetland.
Most Popular Lepidosperma australe (Southern Sword Sedge)

Lepidosperma australe is a stiffly upright rush with blue-green foliage. Brown seed heads are borne across the plant during summer. This NZ native...

Calamagrostis 'Karl Foerster' grasses as a mass planting and featuring elegant, cream-coloured flower heads as plumes.
Most Popular Calamagrostis 'Karl Foerster'

Calamagrostis 'Karl Foerster' is a popular ornamental grass known for its upright, clump-forming habit and tall, feathery flower plumes. It grows to...

From$23.39
Lomandra 'Misty Green' plants with cascading green foliage growing a bank.
Most Popular Lomandra Misty Green

Lomandra Misty Green is an ornamental grass with delicate, dark green foliage and a tidy, rounded form. Growing to about 40 cm in height and width...

From$19.25
Ophiopogon planiscapus nigrescens (Black Mondo) plants with lush, black foliage.
Most Popular Ophiopogon japonicus nigrescens

Ophiopogon japonicus nigrescens, commonly known as Black Mondo Grass, is a clump-forming plant with fine, near black foliage. The foliage is...

From$8.97
Imperata 'Red Baron' with colourful, red foliage
Most Popular Imperata Red Baron

Imperata 'Red Baron', commonly known as Japanese Blood Grass, features leaves that are green at the base and become red further up the blade. Through...

From$20.63
Everyone knows classic varieties like Chamaemelum nobile (Chamomile) and Dianella 'Little Jess', but you might just fall in love with Ilex crenata Helleri, Wisteria Snow Showers, and Echeveria Violet Queen.
–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.

4.8

445 Google reviews