Species Coastal Stellate Sedge

Coastal Stellate Sedge

Carex echinata subsp. phyllomanica

Also Known As - Star Sedge
Coastal Stellate Sedge is an attractive, grass-like perennial found growing in wet salt marshes and seasonally flooded areas along the coast. Its arching stems reach up to 16 inches tall and produce stiff, wiry blades up to 8 inches long that are bright green above and softly white-hairy underneath. Atop each stem is a coppery-orange spike, densely packed with flowers. These small flowers protrude slightly above the foliage, lending a delicate look to the plant. Its ability to tolerate salt and drought make Coastal Stellate Sedge an excellent choice for coastal gardens.

Watering:

Frequent

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Star Sedge prefers moist but not soggy soil and prefers to be watered regularly. Water deeply at least once per week, allowing the soil to dry out between watering. If the soil gets too soggy you can reduce watering to every other week. In hotter temperatures you may need to water more frequently. Water that is just lukewarm is most beneficial for Star Sedge.

sunlight

Star Sedge usually thrives in sunny, open areas. It prefers full sun to partial shade, meaning that it should receive at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight every day. The optimal period for sunlight for Star Sedge is during the day, when the sun is at its highest strength and angle. When planting Star Sedge, care should be taken to ensure that it will receive enough sunlight throughout the day since an insufficient amount of sunlight can cause the plant to wilt and die. During the hottest part of the day, it is best to provide some shade for the plant so that it can conserve energy and protect its delicate leaves from the scorching sun. Star Sedge will also benefit from light shading during the evening and early morning hours.

pruning

Star Sedge should be pruned twice a year to promote healthy growth. Pruning in late winter or early spring will help remove any dead or diseased growth as well as provide an opportunity to shape the plants as needed. Pruning in late summer will allow for thinner, denser growth. Both prunings should be light, using scissors or pruners to keep the plant looking tidy.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

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