Santa Barbara Sedge

Rocky Mountain Sedge should be watered moderately throughout the growing season. It prefers moist soils, but can tolerate drier conditions during the summer months. This sedge needs about 1” (2.54 cm) of water per week during the spring and fall, and up to 2” (5.08 cm) of water during extremely hot and dry summers. Water slowly and deeply, as Rocky Mountain Sedges have shallow roots that are easily damaged by too much water at once. For best results, water in the morning or early evening. It is best to water at the base of the plant, avoiding foliage to prevent fungal disease.

Rocky Mountain Sedge (Carex backii) grows best in sunny areas, where it can receive 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. When used as a groundcover, however, it can tolerate partial sunlight and should receive at least 3-4 hours of direct sunlight a day. Rocky Mountain Sedge should be placed in a location that receives morning sun and afternoon shade, as it is not tolerant of intense mid-day light.

Rocky Mountain Sedge (Carex backii) should be pruned once a year, ideally in the early spring before new growth begins. Pruning should be done selectively, removing any dead or diseased foliage. Prune away any straggly stems or shoots that detract from the overall shape and form, as well as any foliage that is rubbing against other stems. Prune plants that are forming clumps back to the center of the clump to encourage dense new growth. This pruning should be done aggressively, removing approximately 1-third of the foliage. This can help to invigorate the plant and reduce the amount of maintenance required over the growing season.