Species Handsome Sedge
lime-brown spikelets with lime foliage

Handsome Sedge

Carex formosa

Also Known As - Awnless Graceful Sedge
Handsome Sedge is a deciduous perennial grass native to North America. Its narrow, reddish-green leaves form an upright, clumped habit that reaches heights of up to 2.5 feet. This hardy plant thrives in both sunny and partially shaded areas of the garden, and tolerates most soil types as long as they are moist. In the summer, it produces small, fluffy cream-colored flowers that stand out against its glossy foliage and attract butterflies to the garden. Deer and other garden pests, on the other hand, tend to avoid it. Handsome Sedge is a great choice for borders, rock gardens, and even water gardens.

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Division,Cutting,Seed Propagation,Rhizome Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

Flowers:

Green/Brown Flowers In Summer

Sun:

Partial Shade, Deciduous Shade (Spring Sun)

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

watering

Handsome Sedge should be watered thoroughly once every 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the weather and the amount of direct sunlight the plant receives. In hot, sunny days, additional water may be necessary. Be sure to water at the plant’s roots, rather than just on the foliage, so the moisture can reach the soil. It is important to keep the Handsome Sedge constantly moist, but never soggy. During cooler, cloudy days, it may not be necessary to water at all. Additionally, it is a good idea to check the soil moisture with your finger or a trowel before watering.

sunlight

Handsome Sedge (Carex formosa) thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions, receiving between 4-6 hours of direct sunlight each day. This species prefers soil with good drainage and is drought tolerant. It grows best in moist, sandy soil with a slightly acidic pH. Spring and summer are the best times to plant Handsome Sedge, as this is when the plant is most active and can easily adjust to its new environment. It should be planted in an area where it has enough space to spread out and doesn’t become overcrowded by other plants.

pruning

Handsome Sedge should be pruned in early spring or late winter. Pruning should be limited to trim off the old and dead foliage. Cut back the foliage to the crown of the plant that produces new growth each spring. Dead foliage should be completely removed. Avoid pruning too much of the foliage as the plant needs some foliage to thrive.

Season

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

Handsome Sedge typically starts flowering in April.