Species Broad Leaved Sedge
green foliage and brown leaves

Broad Leaved Sedge

Carex platyphylla

Also Known As - Thicket Sedge,Broadleaved Wood Sedge
Broad Leaved Sedge (Carex platyphylla) is a perennial sedge found on wet meadows in North America. It grows in clusters and produces thin, light green foliage. Its large, broad leaves look more like fir or spruce needles than typical grasses or sedges. It produces small brown spikes that reach up to 18 inches tall. Its roots are fibrous and help improve soil drainage and prevent soil erosion. It prefers full sun and moist soil, and is drought tolerant. Broad Leaved Sedge is a great addition to gardens as it is low maintenance and provides visual interest. Its wide array of colors can provide contrast with the nearby greenery.

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Division,Cutting,Seed Propagation,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

Flowers:

Green/Brown Flowers

Sun:

Shade, Deciduous Shade (Spring Sun)

Soil:

Clay, Sand, Humus Enriched

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Broad Leaved Sedge should be watered regularly throughout the active growing season, but moderated with caution. This plant species prefers moist soils, so it should not be allowed to dry out completely between waterings. During the hot summer months, keep the soil lightly moist, and provide about 1 inch of water every week. In mild climates, the plant may not need as much water, but it’s important to make sure the soil doesn’t completely dry out. In colder months, watering should be reduced as the plant is likely to enter a state of dormancy. Generally, water the plant once or twice a month during the cooler months.

sunlight

Broad Leaved Sedge prefers direct sunlight for at least part of the day to promote healthy growth and flowering. Place the plant in a sunny or partially sunny location that receives at least 4 to 6 hours of direct morning or late afternoon sun per day for best results. Avoid too much direct midday sun that may scorch or dry out the foliage, especially in warm climates.

pruning

Broad Leaved Sedge should be pruned twice a year. In mid- to late spring, cut back the foliage of the plant to about 1-third of its original height. Then, in the late summer or early fall, cut back the foliage to about half its original height. This will help encourage denser growth and better overall health for the plant over time. Pruning out any dead stems or overcrowded patches will also help increase air circulation and sunlight penetration within the plant's canopy.

Season

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

Broad Leaved Sedge typically starts flowering in May.