Carex vulpina
Carex vulpina · Cyperaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant carex vulpina: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- May to June
- Adult size
- 30 to 60 cm in height
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (down to -20°C)
- Origin
- Europe
- Soil type
- Moist to marshy
Care
Watering
Fox sedge appreciates constantly moist soil, even temporarily flooded conditions. Keep the soil fresh during the growing season, particularly in summer. In its natural habitat at the edges of wetlands, it tolerates even occasional water excess.
Exposure
Position this sedge in full sun or partial shade for better compactness and optimal coloring. It adapts to partial shade but may become looser. Avoid permanently shaded areas.
Soil
Prepare rich, well-structured soil capable of retaining moisture. A mixture with compost or peat promotes development. Slightly acidic to neutral pH suits it perfectly.
Pruning
Cut the clump back to ground level in late winter or early spring before new growth. Remove any dried or damaged parts during the season. This cutting allows for more compact growth and better aeration.
Fertilizer
A moderate application of balanced fertilizer in spring is sufficient, or incorporate well-decomposed compost when planting. This plant is not demanding and thrives without excessive fertilization.
Diseases and pests
Fox sedge is rarely affected by diseases when it has adequate moisture. In poorly drained soil or with prolonged waterlogging, watch for rot. Few insect pests significantly affect it.
Did you know?
The common name 'fox sedge' refers to the appearance of the tight, elongated spikelets, which resemble a fox's tail. In European wetlands and peat meadows, this small grass plays an important ecological role in stabilizing banks and providing habitat for aquatic insects.
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.