Carex flacca [a.k.a. glauca] (3.5 inch pot)

Product Description

Carex flacca (a.k.a glauca) (3.5-inch pot)
Common name: Sedge - Blue Sedge

• Height: 8-10 Inches
• Spread: 12-18 Inches
• Hardiness Zone: 4-9
• Full Sun to Part Shade
• Evergreen in warmer climates
• Blue-Green to blue-gray foliage
• Clumping but spreads slowly by rhizomes
• Prefers medium to wet soil
• Moist banks near streams and ponds
• Occasional foot traffic

Carex flacca (glauca) narrow, blue-green to blue-gray foliage. Underside of foliage is a gray-green, hence the name glauca. Evergreen only in warmer climates. Blue Sedge has a clumping habit but creeps slowly by rhizomes. Flowers green and insignificant late Spring. Carex flacca will grow in average soil. Prefers medium to wet soil but will tolerate drying out with regular watering. Can be used for ground cover in mass plantings, naturalizing, erosion control, edging and borders. Mature Height 8"-10", spread 12"-18"

Carex flacca is a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant groundcover that is native to Europe and Asia. It is a good choice for shady areas and can be used as a lawn substitute or as an accent plant.

Choose a location that receives partial to full shade. Blue sedge can tolerate full sun, but it will do best in shady areas. Plant in well-drained soil. Blue sedge is tolerant of dry soil, but it will not do well in wet or soggy soil.

Space the plants 10-12 inches apart. Blue sedge will spread over time, so it is important to space the plants appropriately. Water regularly during the first year after planting. Once the plants are established, they are drought-tolerant and only need to be watered during dry periods.

Fertilize in spring with a balanced fertilizer. Blue sedge does not require a lot of fertilizer, but a light application in spring will help to promote new growth. Cut back the plants in late winter. This will help to keep them tidy and encourage new growth. With proper care, Carex flacca will thrive in your garden for many years to come.

Blue sedge is a host plant for the comma butterfly, if interested in attracting butterflies to your garden. Carex flacca is deer-resistant.

This sedge is also tolerant of salt, so it can be used in coastal gardens.

Carex flacca, also known as Blue Sedge or Glaucous Sedge, is a versatile and attractive sedge that adds a cool, bluish hue to gardens. Here is a closer look at this adaptable plant:

Appearance:

• Foliage: Carex flacca is admired for its bluish-green foliage. The leaves are narrow, linear, and slightly arching, creating a graceful, grass-like effect. They typically grow about 6-12 inches tall, forming a dense tuft.
• Flowers: In early summer, it produces slender flower spikes that rise above the foliage. The flowers are subtle and greenish-brown in color. While not showy, they add a delicate touch and provide food for native insects.

Growth Habit:

• This sedge forms a clump that spreads slowly by rhizomes, gradually creating a dense ground cover. It is not considered invasive, making it a well-behaved addition to the garden.

Growing Conditions:

• Sunlight: Carex flacca is adaptable to a range of light conditions, from full sun to partial shade. It performs well in full sun in cooler climates but appreciates some shade in hotter regions.
• Soil: This sedge thrives in moist to wet soils, but it's quite adaptable and can tolerate average garden soil as well. It even tolerates some drought once established.
• Moisture: While it prefers moist soil, it can handle occasional periods of dryness, making it a valuable asset in gardens with varying moisture levels.
• Hardiness: Carex flacca is hardy in USDA Zones 4-9, making it suitable for a wide range of climates.

Special Features:

• Blue Foliage: The bluish-green foliage of Carex flacca adds a cool and refreshing touch to the garden, contrasting beautifully with other plants.
• Adaptable: This sedge is highly adaptable to various light and soil conditions, making it a versatile choice for gardeners.
• Low Maintenance: Once established, Carex flacca is a low-maintenance plant, requiring minimal care.
• Deer Resistant: Deer tend to avoid this sedge, making it a good choice for gardens where deer are a problem.
• Erosion Control: Its spreading habit helps to stabilize slopes and prevent erosion.

Uses in the Garden:

• Ground Cover: Carex flacca is an excellent ground cover for shady areas, providing a dense, weed-suppressing mat.
• Woodland Gardens: It is a natural fit for woodland gardens, blending beautifully with other shade-loving plants.
• Rock Gardens: Its drought tolerance makes it suitable for rock gardens, adding a touch of soft texture to the hard edges.
• Borders: It can be used to edge borders or pathways, creating a delicate and natural-looking border.
• Rain Gardens: Its tolerance for wet soil makes it a good choice for rain gardens, helping to filter runoff and prevent erosion.
• Water Gardens: Carex flacca can even be grown in shallow standing water, making it suitable for water gardens or pond edges.

Tips for Growing Carex flacca:

• Planting: Plant in spring or fall in a location with full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Amend the soil with compost or other organic matter to improve its fertility and drainage.
• Watering: Water regularly during the first year to help the plant establish a strong root system. Once established, it is relatively drought-tolerant but will benefit from occasional watering during dry spells.
• Fertilizing: Carex flacca does not require heavy fertilization. A light application of a balanced fertilizer in spring is usually sufficient.
• Dividing: Divide clumps every few years in spring or fall to rejuvenate plants and maintain their vigor.

Overall, Carex flacca, or Blue Sedge, is a valuable and versatile sedge that offers many benefits for the garden. Its attractive blue foliage, adaptability to various growing conditions, and low maintenance requirements make it an excellent choice for gardeners seeking a beautiful and sustainable ground cover.

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