Product Description
Carex testacea 'Prairie Fire' (10)ct Quarts
Carex testacea 'Prairie Fire', commonly known as New Zealand Hair Sedge, is a captivating ornamental grass that brings a vibrant touch to any garden. Known for its colorful foliage and graceful arching habit, this unique sedge is a standout performer in a variety of landscape applications. Whether you are looking to add texture to borders, soften the edges of pathways, or create a calming presence in rock gardens, 'Prairie Fire' is an excellent choice.
True to its name, 'Prairie Fire' dazzles with slender, olive-green leaves tipped in fiery orange. As the seasons change, the foliage deepens to a rich bronze-orange, creating a warm, glowing effect that persists throughout the winter months. This blazing foliage not only adds a splash of color to the garden but also provides visual interest year-round.
One of the most striking features of 'Prairie Fire' is its graceful movement. The leaves grow upright before gracefully arching and cascading towards the ground, creating a flowing, fountain-like effect. This unique habit adds movement and dimension to the garden, making 'Prairie Fire' a dynamic and eye-catching addition to any landscape.
Carex testacea 'Prairie Fire' is incredibly versatile and can thrive in a variety of settings. Here are some creative ways to incorporate this stunning sedge into your garden:
- Borders: Use 'Prairie Fire' to add texture and contrast to mixed borders. Its vibrant foliage will stand out against green shrubs and flowering perennials.
- Pathways: Soften the edges of pathways with the flowing, arching habit of 'Prairie Fire'. The movement of the leaves will create a welcoming and serene atmosphere.
- Rock Gardens: Plant 'Prairie Fire' in rock gardens to create a calming presence. Its colorful foliage will add a touch of elegance to the rugged setting.
- Containers: Use 'Prairie Fire' in containers to bring a touch of sophistication to patios and terraces. Its cascading habit makes it particularly well-suited for hanging baskets and raised beds.
'Prairie Fire' thrives in full sun, where its foliage develops the most intense coloration. However, it can also tolerate partial shade, offering flexibility for your garden design. When placed in a sunny location, the vibrant orange tips of the leaves will be most pronounced, creating a stunning display.
One of the many benefits of 'Prairie Fire' is its low-maintenance nature. Once established, this sedge requires minimal care, making it an ideal choice for busy gardeners. It is also drought-tolerant and deer-resistant, ensuring that it remains a reliable and resilient addition to the garden even in challenging conditions.
- Orange-Tipped Foliage: The olive-green leaves with fiery orange tips create a vibrant and eye-catching display.
- Cascading Habit: The graceful, arching leaves add movement and dimension to the garden.
- Versatile Applications: 'Prairie Fire' is suitable for borders, containers, rock gardens, pathways, and more.
- Sun-Loving: This sedge thrives in full sun, developing the most intense color in bright light.
- Low Maintenance: Easy to grow and care for, 'Prairie Fire' requires minimal attention once established.
- Drought and Deer Resistant: A reliable choice for gardens with challenging conditions, 'Prairie Fire' is both drought-tolerant and deer-resistant.
To ensure the best performance of Carex testacea 'Prairie Fire', follow these planting and care tips:
- Planting Location: Choose a sunny or partially shaded location with well-drained soil. Ensure that the planting site receives at least six hours of sunlight daily for the most vibrant foliage color.
- Soil Preparation: Prepare the soil by incorporating organic matter such as compost or peat moss to improve drainage and fertility.
- Planting Depth: Plant 'Prairie Fire' at the same depth it was growing in the nursery container. Space plants about 12 to 18 inches apart to allow for their mature size.
- Watering: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Once established, 'Prairie Fire' is drought-tolerant and requires only occasional watering.
- Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plants to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
- Fertilizing: Carex testacea 'Prairie Fire' typically does not require much fertilization. However, you can apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring to promote healthy growth.
- Pruning: Trim back any damaged or dead foliage in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth and maintain the plant's appearance.
Incorporating Carex testacea 'Prairie Fire' into your garden design can create stunning visual effects. Here are some design ideas to inspire you:
- Mixed Borders: Pair 'Prairie Fire' with other ornamental grasses, perennials, and shrubs to create a dynamic and textured border. The vibrant foliage will contrast beautifully with green leaves and colorful flowers.
- Water Features: Plant 'Prairie Fire' near ponds, streams, or water fountains to enhance the serene atmosphere. The flowing habit of the leaves will complement the movement of the water.
- Modern Landscapes: Use 'Prairie Fire' in contemporary garden designs to add a touch of warmth and softness. Its unique foliage color and graceful habit will create a striking focal point.
- Seasonal Displays: Combine 'Prairie Fire' with autumn blooming flowers and foliage plants to create a stunning fall display. The rich bronze-orange color of the leaves will complement the warm tones of the season.
When selecting companion plants for Carex testacea 'Prairie Fire', consider species that will complement its vibrant foliage and enhance its overall appearance. Some excellent companion plants include:
- Heuchera (Coral Bells): The colorful foliage of Heuchera provides a beautiful contrast to the orange tips of 'Prairie Fire'. Choose varieties with deep purple or burgundy leaves for a striking combination.
- Rudbeckia (Black-Eyed Susan): The bright yellow flowers of Rudbeckia create a sunny and cheerful backdrop for the bronze-orange foliage of 'Prairie Fire'.
- Lavandula (Lavender): The silvery-gray foliage and fragrant purple flowers of Lavender pair well with 'Prairie Fire', adding texture and fragrance to the garden.
- Gaillardia (Blanket Flower): The vibrant red and orange flowers of Gaillardia echo the fiery hues of 'Prairie Fire', creating a cohesive and colorful display.
Carex testacea 'Prairie Fire' is a versatile and eye-catching ornamental grass that brings vibrant color and graceful movement to any garden. Its low-maintenance nature, adaptability to various settings, and stunning foliage make it an excellent choice for gardeners looking to add interest and elegance to their landscapes. Whether used in borders, containers, rock gardens, or pathways, 'Prairie Fire' is sure to ignite your garden with its fiery hues and captivating presence.
Partial Sun
Shade
Min. Height (inches) 18
Max. Height (inches) 24
Min. Width (inches) 18
Max. Width (inches) 24
Zones 6-9
Quart Container /10 count tray
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
