We're convinced Carex pensylvanica is not perfectly named. More suitable might be Water Fountain Grass, but no matter what you call it, Carex pensylvanica is a stop-you-in-your-tracks soft Sedge that seems to sway to the rhythm of the wind. Pennsylvania Sedge shifts with the seasons forming a carpet of peridot green in spring and turning to a sandy-golden tan in autumn.
While most ornamental Sedges grow best in moist or wet soil, Pennsylvania Sedge is an exception to that rule preferring dry soil and even tolerating drought. A low (6-12 inches), clumping perennial, it thrives in dry soil and remains lush while binding the soil with its dense roots making it perfect for erosion control.
With its tough disposition and spreading habit, this native grass makes an excellent semi-evergreen groundcover that elegantly arches to the ground in a regal bow. Fine texture and fountaining clumps make this a lovely underplanting for bolder shade perennials or on its own as a shade lawn.
Because it does well in full sun or shade and it has a restrained spreading fashion, Pennsylvania Sedge plays nicely with other plants. Clusters of brown seed capsules cling high on the stems adding both textural and color interest in addition to a feast for hungry birds.
Given excellent drainage and moderately moist to dry humus-rich soil, this plant will spread moderately fast and relentlessly by rhizomes. Depending on the soil moisture, this Sedge will spread between 3-8 inches per year and when planted in mass, the reddish-brown, thimble-like flowers and fountaining foliage create a gorgeous field-like, almost wild effect.
If you have a large empty canvas that needs low-maintenance filling with guaranteed color and texture, this Sedge is a must have.
Things to Note Irrigation is recommended for full sun application in southern zones.
Gardener Tips To use as a turf grass, mow 2-3 times a year, when 3-4 inches tall.
General information about Carex (Sedge):
Carex, a splendid Sedge, yields graceful arching foliage that bends and bows, creating a lush, green coverage of color like a fresh coat of paint.
Often used as a bold accent, for
borders
and mass plantings, in containers, or as a groundcover in
shade
and rock gardens, Carex can also be planted along banks of ponds, incorporated into perennial gardens, grouped together, and utilized as a ground cover along walkways, paths or on
sloping banks.
An excellent alternative to
ivy
and
Pachysandra,
Carex produces small,
cream
to brown, bottlebrush-like
flowers
in late spring that are rather insignificant to the plant's ornamental value.
Most ornamental sedges grow best in
moist
or wet soil, however we do offer
Pennsylvania Sedge
which is an exception to that rule.
As a complete lawn substitute, water feature plant, or simply a container at your front entrance, Carex will give a lush, tropical feeling to your garden.
Gardener Tips
Sedge looks its best when the foliage is cut back in late winter or early spring before new growth occurs.
Follow a regular watering schedule during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system.
In northern zones, it does best when planted out of the way of winter winds and provided with some protection such as snow or straw.
You simply cannot go wrong pairing a large garden scape of
Coreopsis
and Carex.
Even in potted plantings, the
golden
blossoms of Coreopsis are a lovely foil to any Sedge.
The plants I ordered arrived very quickly, securely packaged and in excellent condition. I will be purchasing the rest of the Pennsylvania Sedge I need from Classygroundcovers, as well as some shrubs. I'm a very satisfied customer and I highly recommend purchasing... Read full review >
Over the years I have made many large (for a home gardener) purchases from Classy Groundcovers. The plants have always been as advertised and in excellent condition. Even the order from I accidentally placed through Amazon, arrived exactly as the order I had... Read full review >
To use as a turf grass, mow 2-3 times a year, when 3-4 inches tall.Irrigation is recommended for full sun application in southern zones.Sedge looks its best when the foliage is cut back in late winter or early spring before new growth occurs.
Follow a regular watering schedule during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system.
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The organic component of soil, formed by the decomposition of leaves and other plant and animal material by soil microorganisms.
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