Carex testacea
Carex testacea, commonly known as the New Zealand Hair Sedge, is a graceful perennial ornamental grass native to New Zealand. This evergreen sedge showcases fine, arching, olive-green leaves that take on striking orange hues, particularly in colder months, making it a great choice for year-round interest. It flourishes into a clump-forming, tussock-like shape, with its slender foliage gently swaying with the breeze, adding movement to gardens.
Ideal for various garden settings such as borders, rock gardens, or waterside plantings, Carex testacea is adaptable and resilient. It thrives best in well-drained soil, under full sun to partial shade. This sedge is low-maintenance, drought-tolerant once established, and can reach heights of up to 50cm with a similar spread.
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Trimming: Carex testacea is low maintenance and usually only needs a light tidy-up. Remove dead, damaged or tired foliage as needed, and if the clump becomes scruffy it can be cut back hard in late winter or early spring to encourage fresh new growth.
Fertilising: Apply a light dressing of balanced slow-release fertiliser in spring while the plant is actively growing. Avoid overfeeding, as Carex testacea generally performs well without heavy fertiliser and too much feeding can reduce foliage quality.
Watering: Water regularly during the establishment phase. Once established, it is fairly tolerant of dry conditions, but it will look best with occasional deep watering during extended dry periods. Keep the soil free draining and avoid prolonged waterlogging.
Pest control: This sedge is generally very resilient and has no major pest issues. Check occasionally for any minor insect activity on stressed plants, but treatment is rarely needed.
Disease management: Disease problems are uncommon. The main risk is root trouble in poorly drained or constantly wet soil, which may show as yellowing, thinning foliage or loss of vigour. Improve drainage and reduce watering if these symptoms appear.
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For orders below $250, the following flat-rate delivery charges are applicable:
- Urban delivery within mainland New Zealand: $19.95
- Rural delivery within mainland New Zealand: $39.95
- Waiheke, Chatham and Great Barrier Islands: Please contact us for shipping options.
We aim to have all orders shipped within 14 days from the order date, unless a different shipping date is specified alongside a product.
