Merritt Fernald's Sedge

Black-Spiked Sedge plants should be watered once every 7-10 days, providing about 1 inch of water per session. The plants can tolerate occasional drought, however will experience better growth if they are watered consistently. Water the base of the plant, avoiding the leaves. In addition to this consistent watering, you can also mist the leaves of your sedge plants in order to provide additional moisture and help encourage growth.

Black-Spiked Sedge grows best in full-sun to partial shade, meaning it should receive at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight per day. It should generally receive the most amount of sunlight during the mid- to late-afternoon. During the hottest months, like summer, the plant may benefit from some additional shade, as too much sun during this time can cause the leaves to become scorched and brown. Generally, the plant should receive up to 8 hours of sunlight during a sunny day in the late spring or early Autumn.

Pruning Black-Spiked Sedge (Carex melanostachya) is recommended to be done annually in late winter or early spring, before new growth occurs. In mild climates, pruning can be done anytime between late February and early April. Pruning should be done gently, taking care not to damage the foliage or stems. Remove any dead, damaged or diseased foliage and trim away any overly vigorous growth. Care should be taken not to remove more than a third of the height of the plant or to over-prune. This will ensure the plant remains healthy and vigorous throughout the coming growing season and can also help to control the size and shape of the plant in the landscape.