Carex testacea
(Speckled Sedge, Orange Sedge)

Carex testacea
(Speckled Sedge, Orange Sedge)

Add to my List Share this page

Details:

Foliage Colour: Orange
Growth Rate: Fast
Mature Height: 0.5 m
Mature Width: 0.5 m
Site Condition: Exposed, Frost Tolerant, Heavy Soil, Loamy Soil, Sandy Soil, Windy
Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
Drainage: Dry, Moist
Category: Grass
Features: Native. Attractive to insects. Flower colour: Tawny. Fruit colour: Tawny. Suitable restoration species.

Carex testacea, commonly known as Orange or Speckled Sedge, is a clump-forming perennial grass-like plant that belongs to the family Cyperaceae. It is native to New Zealand and is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in many parts of the world.

Carex testacea is known for its distinctive foliage, which undergoes color changes throughout the year. The leaves are typically narrow and linear, and they emerge in shades of green, gradually turning to a warm bronze, copper, or orange color as they mature. The foliage has a fine, hair-like texture, which gives the plant a unique and ornamental appearance.

The plant typically grows in dense tufts or clumps, with stems that are typically upright or slightly arching, reaching a height of 30 to 60 cm. The stems are usually smooth and glossy, and they may develop a reddish coloration towards the base.

Carex testacea is a relatively low-maintenance plant that is tolerant of a wide range of growing conditions. It prefers well-draining soils and can tolerate partial to full sun, although it may exhibit more intense coloration in brighter light. It is drought-tolerant once established, making it suitable for water-wise gardens. Evergreen. Hardy.

Habitat: Coastal to montane. In sand dunes, coastal forest and scrub, dense forest or short tussock (Festuca novae-zelandiae) grassland.

Flowering: Spring [September - December]
Fruiting:    Summer [December - May]

Prices

  Each 20 or more
2l Pot $8.50 $8.00

Related Plants

Carex comans (Sedge)
View Details
Carex comans (Sedge)

Carex comans, commonly known as New Zealand Hai...

Carex dipsacea (Teasel Sedge)
View Details
Carex dipsacea (Teasel Sedge)

Carex dipsacea, commonly called Teasel Sedge, i...

Carex buchananii (Buchanan)
View Details
Carex buchananii (Buchanan)

Carex buchananii is a 60 cm tall native hair se...

Festuca novae zelandiae (Hard Tussock)
View Details
Festuca novae zelandiae (Hard Tussock)

Festuca novae-zelandiae is a fine-leaved tawny ...