Carex buchananii (Leatherleaf Sedge)

A very popular Sedge, Carex buchananii (Leatherleaf Sedge) is a tufted perennial grass with an evergreen foliage of narrow, copper-bronze leaves. Erect when young, the grass-like leaves tend gradually to arch over time, curling gracefully towards their tips.

A very popular Sedge, Carex buchananii (Leatherleaf Sedge) is a tufted perennial grass with an evergreen foliage of narrow, copper-bronze leaves. Erect when young, the grass-like leaves tend gradually to arch over time, curling gracefully towards their tips. The striking color of this New Zealand Sedge makes it an outstanding addition to any sunny gardens.

  • Forming attractive mounds of evergreen (in milder climates), slender, hairlike foliage that shimmers in slight breezes, it mixes beautifully with almost any flowering bulbs or perennial plants to create spectacular and elegantly mobile combinations.
  • This is a graceful accent plant for beds, borders, prairie plantings, rock gardens, city or cottage gardens or coastal gardens. Does well in containers too where it adds wonderful character and texture to your plant combinations.
  • Growing easily in a dense fountain-like clump about 30 in. tall (75 cm) and across, it enjoys full sun, tolerates light shade and thrives in moist, well-drained soils. Will not tolerate excessive winter wet and avoid extremes of wet and dry. Roots should not be allowed to dry out.
  • Requires very little care.
  • Deer resistant, it is generally disease-free. Watch for aphids.
  • Propagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame in spring or by division in early summer
  • Cut out any dead leaves in summer.
  • Native to New Zealand

Requirements

Hardiness 6
– 9

Heat Zones 5
– 9

Climate Zones 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Ornamental Grasses
Plant Family Carex – Sedges
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)FallWinter
Height 2'
– 3'
(60cm
– 90cm)
Spread 2'
– 3'
(60cm
– 90cm)
Spacing 30″
– 36″
(75cm
– 90cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Deer
Garden Uses Banks and Slopes, Beds and Borders, Ground Covers, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow