Call us: 0800 843 752Orders from 17th Dec shipped Jan 3rdFree 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...

Liriope muscari growing as a mass planting in a woodand garden.
Most Popular

Liriope muscari

Liriope muscari, commonly known as Lilyturf or Monkeygrass, is an herbaceous perennial with flower spikes that rise above the foliage during summer...

From$18.41
Colourful Liriope muscari 'Royal Purple' plants with purple flowers.
Most Popular

Liriope 'Royal Purple'

Liriope 'Royal Purple', commonly known as Monkey Grass, produces strap-like, dark green leaves that become adorned with masses of showy, deep...

From$17.82
Carex comans green plants with dense, green foliage in a garden.
Most Popular

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$13.13
Ophiopogon 'Kyoto' (Dwarf Mondo grass) growing between paving stones.
Most Popular

Ophiopogon Kyoto

Ophiopogon 'Kyoto' is a Dwarf Mondo Grass and grows as a small clump with fine, dark green foliage. Flower spikes appear in summer bearing tiny...

From$5.94
Everyone knows classic varieties like Corokia 'Frosted Chocolate' and Gardenia Veitchii, but you might just fall in love with Hemerocallis Moon Goddess, Vitex lucens, and Azalea Red Wings.
–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

514 Google reviews