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Carex scaposa

Carex scaposa
Tufted Sedge

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This plant carries a 12 months recovery warranty

More information

Originally from China, this unusual carex produces spikes of bright orange-pink flowers in August-September. It has large evergreen leaves in winter, which are bronze-green turning to bright green. The foliage has a truly exotic appearance. It can be grown in full shade or partial shade, in humus-rich soil, and prefers a moist environment even in summer. Hardiness: -15°C (5°F).
Height at maturity
30 cm
Spread at maturity
40 cm
Exposure
Partial shade, Shade
Hardiness
Hardy down to -12°C
Soil moisture
Moist soil
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Best planting time March, October
Recommended planting time March to June, September to October
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Flowering time August to November
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Description

Carex scaposa, also known as Chinese Sedge, is an extraordinary botanical species. It is rare in cultivation, and was collected by Michael Le Bret in the southern mountains of Yunnan during his 2007 expedition. Very different from other sedges, this one is reminiscent of aspidistras with its rather wide leaves. In the second half of summer, it is distinguished by its beautiful pink-orange flowering, which remains decorative until late in the season. Despite its almost subtropical origins, this perennial plant is quite hardy. A great choice for damp shade!

 

Carex scaposa belongs to the Cyperaceae family, like all Carex. It is a widespread species from southern China to Vietnam, where it grows in forests, on wooded slopes, in deep valleys, and on riverbanks. It is a rhizomatous perennial herbaceous plant that establishes slowly and never becomes invasive. Its leaves are evergreen in winter. They are flexible, ribbon-like, and more or less pleated in width. They measure up to 30cm (12in) long and 5cm (2in) wide. Initially bronze-green, they then become a superb bright green. The overall shape forms a clump wider than tall, not exceeding 25 to 30cm (10 to 12in) in height. Quite similar in appearance to the foliage of  C. plantaginea, but with an even more remarkable colour. The slender flower spikes appear late in the season, around mid-August, but the flowering continues almost until the frosts. The small flowers arranged in spikes are of a remarkable and very rare colour in this genus: a bright orange pink.

This beautiful carex is said to be very successful in gardens with damp shade, that are mild in winter. Plant it alongside EpimediumOphiopogonAsarumArisaemaetc. Play with the contrasts of foliage. For example, consider combining it with ferns with tough and glossy fronds like the sword fern Polystichum neolobatumor on the contrary, with the soft and feathery foliage of Polystichum setiferum 'Proliferum'.

 

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Carex: Planting, Dividing and Caring for Your Young Plants
Family sheet
by Alexandra 14 min.
Carex: Planting, Dividing and Caring for Your Young Plants
Read article

Carex scaposa in pictures

Carex scaposa (Flowering) Flowering
Carex scaposa (Plant habit) Plant habit

Flowering

Flower colour pink
Flowering time August to November
Inflorescence Spike

Foliage

Foliage persistence Evergreen
Foliage colour green

Plant habit

Height at maturity 30 cm
Spread at maturity 40 cm
Growth rate slow

Botanical data

Genus

Carex

Species

scaposa

Family

Cyperaceae

Other common names

Tufted Sedge

Origin

China

Product reference8826111

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Planting and care

Plant Carex scaposa in a very shady and very moist area of the garden. It likes soil rich in humus, composed half of garden clay soil and half of leaf compost. It seems to fear full sun and is therefore recommended for moist shade. Apparently, it doesn't seem to fear very dense shade, as long as it doesn't lack moisture in summer. Its hardiness is estimated at -15°C (5°F) at its lowest, in soil that is not waterlogged in winter.

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Planting period

Best planting time March, October
Recommended planting time March to June, September to October

Intended location

Suitable for Shaded rockery, Woodland edge, Undergrowth
Type of use Edge of border
Hardiness Hardy down to -12°C (USDA zone 8a) Show map
Ease of cultivation Amateur
Planting density 7 per m2
Exposure Partial shade, Shade
Soil pH Acidic, Neutral
Soil type Silty-loamy (rich and light)
Soil moisture Moist soil, rich in humus

Care

Pruning No pruning necessary
Disease resistance Good
Overwinter Can be left in the ground

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