Species Long Sedge
lime-yellow spikelet with lime-beige foliage and stem

Long Sedge

Carex folliculata

Also Known As - Northern Long Sedge
Long Sedge (Carex folliculata) is a lush, spiky grass-like plant native to northern China, Japan, and Siberia. Its bright green foliage grows in densely matted tufts with occasional flowering stems rising above. Its greenish-brown seedheads, which resemble eggs, are clustered in the leaf axils. The long, creeping rhizomes give the it an ability to spread and quickly reproduce. Its leaves are broad and sharply-toothed and can reach up to two feet in height, with a slightly grass-like appearance. Long Sedge is suitable for a wide range of soil conditions and provides shelter and nesting material for wildlife. It adds texture and color to landscape beds, meadows, and rock gardens.

Watering:

Minimal

Propagation:

Division,Seed Propagation,Cutting,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

Sun, Partial Shade, Shade

Soil:

Sand, Loam

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

watering

Long Sedge should be watered once or twice per week, depending on the weather. In warm, dry conditions, it is best to water the plant deeply once a week, making sure to moisten the soil throughout but not to saturation. In cool, wetter conditions, the plant may only need to be watered every 2 or 3 weeks. It is important to use lukewarm water to prevent the roots from shock. If using a sprinkler system, it is important to adjust the frequency to prevent over or under watering. Under watered plants will become dry and limp, while over watered plants can become soggy and vulnerable to a range of soil-borne diseases.

sunlight

Long Sedge (Carex folliculata) thrives in full sunlight for at least 6 to 8 hours a day to grow in the best condition. It prefers direct sunlight, though it can tolerate some partial shade. To fully display its distinctive yellow-green hue and to maintain its bushy habit, Long Sedge needs plenty of sunshine throughout the entire growing season. In areas where intense humidity and soaring temperatures are predominant, this species may require a bit of shade during the hottest part of the day.

pruning

Long Sedge (Carex folliculata) should be pruned in late winter to early spring to maintain an attractive form and manage size. Pruning should involve removing any dead foliage, flowering stems, and Clumps that are too large or with too many stems. Cut back each stem by around 1-third its length. Large clumps should be divided into several smaller clumps to ensure healthy growth. Pruning should also involve thinning of the clumps or individual stems to promote a fuller more attractive appearance.