Carex trifida Rekohu Sunrise

Carex trifida 'Rekohu Sunrise' is a highly ornamental variety of carex that forms a large clump of beautifully variegated wide leaves, perfect for bringing life to flower beds, borders, or containers on a patio or balcony throughout the year. With its free, slightly unkempt habit and long leaves with bold yellow margins on a green background, it adds style to any setting. Its summer flowering of almost black spikes adds to its charm. This grass-like plant is easy to grow in full sun or partial shade, in well-drained but moist to wet soil.

Carex trifida 'Rekohu Sunrise' is a sedge belonging to the Cyperaceae family, and is a cousin of grasses with which it shares similarities. Its variety name, which can be translated as 'Sunrise at Rekohu', may come from the yellow on its foliage, reminiscent of the yellow light of the rising sun. It originates from a botanical species native to New Zealand and is moderately hardy, tolerating temperatures down to approximately -10°C (14°F). This herbaceous plant with short rhizomes forms a dense clump with an upright and gracefully trailing habit, reaching about 60cm (24in) in all directions. It does not produce suckers but thickens year after year. Its shiny, linear, evergreen leaves are ribbon-like, measuring about 2cm (1in) in diameter, and up to 60cm (24in) long. Their edges are tapered and their tips droop. The vibrant green colour is highlighted by a yellow to cream margin, while the undersides have a bluish-green hue. From June to September, large brown-black spikes measuring 1 to 3cm (1in) appear among the foliage on slender stems about 50 to 60cm (20 to 24in) tall. It should be noted that this sedge is very long-lived and will thrive in the garden for many years.

Carex trifida 'Rekohu Sunrise' is a vibrant little plant that will form a beautiful rounded clump of colourful foliage gracefully overflowing from pots. Its visual appeal does not require the presence of other plants beside it, but it will complement its neighbours and enliven slightly damp areas of the garden. Its texture contrasts with fern fronds, and its flexibility perfectly complements the roundness of fantastically coloured heucheras. It also accentuates the beauty of hellebores. As this perennial appreciates moist to wet soils, it will naturally find its place in water gardens, on banks, or at the edge of a pond, where it will help stabilise the soil. Plant it along the edges of perennial flower beds. For a beautiful wild effect, plant it en masse in a contemporary or country garden.