Carex aurea is a gorgeous dwarf sedge with arching, dark-green leaves that form compact clusters. The white edges give the plant a sparkling appearance that looks great in any landscape.
In this article, we will learn more about this plant and its uses.
General Information
Carex aurea is native to Canada and most of the United States. It’s an evergreen perennial that forms a tight clump. Its bright yellow-green leaves, which are its most admired feature, can grow to be 27 inches long. In early summer, it produces 17-inch-tall flower spikes.
This sedge’s leaves are thin and often overshadow the flowers. They grow in a V-shape at first but flatten out as they age. The foliage can be medium green to bright yellow.
This evergreen perennial blooms from June to August. The egg-shaped fruits mature from late spring to mid-summer. They are fleshy, veined, and hairless. The brilliant color of the fruit sets it apart from other carex species.
However, once the fruit reaches this color, they have fully matured and will soon fall off or begin to dry and turn brown.
Care and Maintenance
Cultivation
This grass grows best in fertile, moist, or wet soil. Although it likes full sun, it can also grow in partial shade. If given enough moisture, it will grow quickly and spread extensively.
If your location has clay soil that is excessively heavy, add grit or organic debris to lighten and improve it. A good fertilizer will also help.
Watering
This sedge can tolerate up to three inches of water, making it ideal for damp or humid environments. Nevertheless, this carex variety is not a thirsty plant. But it’s important to note that the weather can have a huge impact on how much water your plants need. Provide water as soon as the soil feels dry. Young plants should be watered more frequently than mature plants, at least three times a week.
Pruning
Pruning is required after blooming and to remove any dead leaves in winter. This plant is self-sufficient otherwise.
Rake or comb out dead leaves as needed, and then shape and revitalize each plant by cutting it back by up to one-third in late winter or early spring. This process encourages new and healthier foliage growth in the coming months.
Propagation
You can propagate this sedge via division from mid-spring until early summer. It should never be divided while in bloom. You can also propagate it from seed, which is a simple process.
Landscape Uses
This sedge is commonly used to add texture to a garden. It’s a terrific background for plants with more extensive foliage, but it can also be a focal point.
The grass looks great in colorful pots by itself or with other water-loving plants. It can be planted alongside stream banks to help with erosion control. The golden color of this cultivar reflects light and casts a reflection on ponds and streams. It also looks lovely growing alongside a pond. It is suitable for a wide range of garden styles, including cottage gardens, courtyards, and modern gardens.
Planting this sedge in large quantities can be overwhelming; it has more impact on smaller plantings. It looks beautiful on a border or mixed in with other plants, especially compact perennials and grasses.
It can also be used as a specimen or accent plant in shaded places to brighten them up.
Companion Plants
Sedges are excellent at bringing the garden together. Carex aurea gets along well with many other plants. It looks very good when combined with other grass-like plants.
Salix Purpurea
Salix purpurea is a spreading shrub or small tree with arching purple stems that produce thin, rectangular, blue-green leaves and silvery seed pods in early spring.
The leaves, purple twigs, and seed pods of this plant are a wonderful vocal point. It grows well in moist soils near streams, ponds, and low areas of a landscape where other shrubs fail.
Molinia
Molinia caerulea looks soft and transparent. It’s perfect at the front of a border to screen views of the plants behind it. In the fall, the foliage turns a bright golden color.
It has stunning reddish-purple flowers. It may take some time for new plants to establish themselves, but once they do, they grow quickly.
Valeriana
Valeriana blooms have a fragrant aroma reminiscent of vanilla and cloves, and their abundant nectar draws bees. The root is a well-known sleep aid with a number of therapeutic applications.
It can grow up to five feet tall and blooms with little light pink or white flowers that adorn the top of the plant. The flower stems can also be cut for vases because they are so beautiful.
