Sedges have enjoyed unprecedented attention the last few years. Articles in The Washington Post (2017), Horticulture (2022) and Landscape Architecture (2023) introduced many gardeners to plants in the genus Carex, which are commonly referred to as sedges.
While there are colorful, variegated selections from Asia that have been in cultivation for decades, it's the North American natives getting the press. A 2023 trials report by Mt. Cuba Center put them squarely in the spotlight. The research.
team evaluated 70 different species and cultivars of native carex for the MidAtlantic region.
That may seem like a big number, but it's a fraction of the more than 500 sedges native to North America. Given the range of species, there's a sedge for every landscape situation. However, the availability of native sedges may be limited depending on where you're located. The horticultural industry is aware of this and is eagerly bringing more of them into cultivation.
The attention is notable given native sedges' low-key appearance. Their flowers tend to be small, and only a few species have showy blooms. Rather, their strength lies in their grasslike foliage and unfussy nature. They are perfectly suited to a supporting role in the garden.
Sedges' varying shades of green provide a backdrop for flashier flowering companions. The narrow blades lend visual texture that contrasts beautifully with broaderleaved perennials. They're relatively easy to grow and don't require a lot of attention.
They're also go-to plants for partial sun to shade, where turf and warm-season ornamental grasses struggle.
Although they're beautiful in their own right, I think of sedges as the backup singers of the plant world. They're not usually the stars of the show, but they tie it all together and make the performer in the spotlight shine. They're the foundation for successful combinations.
CAREX, CAREX EVERYWHERE
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Denne historien er fra March - April 2024-utgaven av Horticulture.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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GAGA FOR GALANTHUS
As easy as they are irresistible, snowdrops boast a devoted and growing following
NEW PLANTS
Multiseason Marvels
BLUEBERRIES & CO.
Members of the genus Vaccinium provide sweet flavor, health benefits and beauty in the garden
AN ECOLOGICAL AGREEMENT
How three great minds think alike
Take It Indoors
Cs the growing season dwindles, _ potted cittus became a summer souuenir
ROOTED IN PLACE
LAYERING IS A PROPAGATION TECHNIQUE THAT TAKES A WHILE TO COMPLETE, BUT IT DEMANDS LITTLE EFFORT FROM THE GARDENER
AT HOME WITH PLANTS
Business travel and pleasure trips helped inspire this Cincinnati garden
THE GARDEN GOES DARK
Yes, gardens have their dark side. But-surprise! A garden's darkness can be good, not sinister.
LOW-WATER WONDERS
EXPLORE ONE PLANTSMAN'S DROUGHT-TOLERANT FAVORITES FOR EACH LEVEL OF THE GARDEN
Succeed With Succession- The best crops to plant throughout summer, plus how to time them right
The best crops to plant throughout summer, plus how to time them right. Once a crop like spring turnips or snap peas has finished, I tidy up the bed, amend the soil with a thin layer of compost and replant. Depending on the new crop, I may be sowing seeds or transplanting seedlings.
