Carex flacca
Blue Sedge
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In sun or part shade, this Carex forms an attractive, low-growing ground cover. Its narrow, blue gray foliage reaches 6-8 inches, and the leaves arrange themselves in a pleasant, tousled look. Blue Sedge spreads slowly by rhizomes and is often used to stop soil erosion. In addition, it is very drought tolerant. It produces delicate seed heads in spring. C. flacca was previously called C. glauca.
Carex flacca grows naturally on the calcareous, sandy, and moist soils of Europe and Northern Africa. In some areas of the Northeast U.S. and Eastern Canada, it has been found outside managed landscapes. If you have concerns about this sedge, we suggest using alternatives we grow such as Carex flaccosperma or Carex laxiculmis ‘Hobb’ Bunny Blue®. Both have wide blue foliage and a clumping habit; both will spread slowly from seed. Carex pensylvanica is another good alternative, with narrow, green foliage and rhizomatous spread to form a lush carpet.
Zone
4-8
Growth Cycle
Cool
Features
- Drought Tolerant
- Shade Tolerant
- Lawn Alternatives
GROWER INFO & TIPS
- Growth rate: slow to establish; once established, medium growth rate
- Grow in 1 or 2 gallon
- Grow in well-drained soil
- Water needs: dry-moist
- Fertilizing: use a slow-release, low-medium rate fertilizer
- Possible pests: Bactra venosana caterpillars, aphids, leaf spot
- Overwintering: may perform better in cold frame with clear poly; do not overwater in winter
*Note: please adapt these suggestions as needed to accommodate your local conditions.
LANDSCAPING INFO
- Excellent ground cover; semi-evergreen in warm zones
- Use in borders
- Good for controlling soil erosion
- Drought tolerant
- Beautiful blue foliage
- Can survive in regular garden soil, alkaline soil and slightly brackish soil
- Provides fine texture in mixed plantings
