Species Quill Sedge
cream-brown flowers with lime stems

Quill Sedge

Carex echinodes

Quill Sedge (Carex echinodes) is a striking ornamental grass-like perennial sedge, native to North America. It grows in a neat clump of upright evergreen foliage with an attractive, quill-like texture. Its grey-green blades reach heights of about 30cm, creating a fine, arching effect. In summer, an airy display of tightly packed, cylindrical brown flower spikes appear above the foliage. This plant is tolerant of sandy soils, as well as wet locations, making it suitable for a variety of garden styles and habitats. To keep it looking its best, it should be cut back after flowering.

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

Water your Sedge (Carex echinata subsp. echinata x) once every 1-2 weeks, giving the plant enough water to thoroughly moisten the soil but not so much that the soil becomes boggy or waterlogged. Aim to keep the soil evenly moist at all times. During dry periods, such as summer or in a heated room, it may be necessary to water more often. Check the soil by pushing your finger into the soil. If the soil feels dry, it is time to water.

sunlight

Sedge (Carex echinata subsp. echinata x) is a plant species that typically requires 4–6 hours of direct sunlight per day. It does best when in direct sunlight for the majority of the day, from early morning until late afternoon. If placed in shade for too long, this species may become leggy and might struggle to produce lush foliage. It is important to note that during extreme heat or with intense sunlight, it can be beneficial to provide some form of shading. This could be in the form of a sunshade, strategically placed trees or a nearby structure.

pruning

Sedge (Carex echinata subsp. echinata x) should be pruned during the spring before new growth begins. Pruning should focus on removing any dead or diseased foliage, including any stalks that have expired, as well as removing old seed heads. When pruning, the plant should be trimmed to retain its natural shape and height, while removing any overgrown or straggly fronds or stalks. To keep the plant’s size and shape in check, pruning should be done annually.

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