Carex sempervirens
Carex sempervirens · Cyperaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant carex sempervirens: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen, green year-round
- Flowering
- Spring to early summer (April-June)
- Mature size
- 20–30 cm tall, 30–40 cm wide
- Growth
- Slow to moderate
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (down to -20°C)
- Origin
- Mountainous regions of Europe
- Soil type
- Well-drained, limestone or neutral, poor to moderately fertile
Care
Watering
Evergreen sedge tolerates drought well once established. Water regularly during planting and for the first two years, then space watering according to climate conditions. In humid regions, natural rainfall is usually sufficient. Avoid excess water that could suffocate the roots.
Light exposure
Prefer a sunny or partially shaded location. This carex grows well in rocky areas and slopes where it helps stabilize soil. It also adapts to small shaded spaces, with slightly slower growth.
Pruning and cutting
Very little pruning required. Simply remove dead or damaged leaves in late winter or early spring. Light cleanup every 2–3 years is enough to maintain its natural, compact shape.
Soil preparation
This plant adapts to poor, stony, or limestone soil. Improve drainage if your soil retains too much water. A light amendment of gravel or sand facilitates establishment. No elaborate preparation is necessary.
Fertilization
No regular fertilizer is essential. This sedge thrives on poor soils. A moderate application of compost in late winter is enough if you wish to support growth.
Diseases and pests
Very robust, this carex is rarely affected by diseases or pests. In very humid and poorly ventilated conditions, a fungus may occasionally appear. Ensure good air circulation and respect plant spacing.
Did you know?
Carex sempervirens is a heritage plant of the Alps and Mediterranean mountains, renowned for its ability to stabilize soil on scree slopes and steep slopes. Its Latin name 'sempervirens' literally means 'always living', referring to its evergreen foliage that retains its green color even in winter, making it a valuable ally for rock gardens and mountainous landscapes during the cold seasons.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Blue sedgeCarex panicea
- Spring sedgeCarex caryophyllea
- Pendulous sedgeCarex pendula
- Bird's-foot SedgeCarex ornithopoda
- Gray's sedgeCarex grayi
- Strict sedgeCarex stricta
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.