Eleocharis uniglumis
Eleocharis uniglumis · Cyperaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant eleocharis uniglumis: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Family
- Cyperaceae
- Form
- Herbaceous
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Adult size
- 20 to 40 cm in height
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Good, down to -15 °C
- Origin
- Europe, temperate Asia
- Type of habitat
- Wetlands, marshes, riverbanks
Care
Watering
One-glumed sedge appreciates constantly moist to waterlogged environments. Keep the substrate always wet, without prolonged drying out. In basins or marshy zones, this plant thrives naturally; in pots, use permanent water saucers or cache-pots filled with water.
Light exposure
Prefer full sun to partial shade to encourage dense stem growth. In very shaded conditions, the plant will become etiolated and less compact. Direct sun exposure, especially in warm climates, suits it very well.
Soil and substrate
This species thrives in peaty, acidic to neutral soils rich in organic matter. In cultivation, use a mixture of blonde peat and quality potting compost. In natural environments, silts and muds of wetland zones suit it perfectly.
Pruning and cutting
No true pruning is really necessary. You can cut back faded or damaged stems to soil level in spring to stimulate new growth. Regularly removing dry parts improves overall appearance.
Fertilizing
In natural environments, little input is needed. In pot or lean basin culture, a diluted balanced fertilizer applied in spring and early summer supports growth. Avoid excess nitrogen, which would promote uncontrolled foliage development.
Diseases and pests
This plant is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. In pots, watch for root rot if drainage is insufficient despite humidity. Excessive accumulation of dead matter can promote rot; maintain good air circulation around the stems.
Did you know?
One-glumed sedge owes its name to the very particular structure of its spikelets: unlike most Cyperaceae, it has only a single scale (or glume) below the flower, hence its epithet "uniglumis". This exceedingly rare morphological characteristic makes it a botanically remarkable species among sedges, and it has long intrigued taxonomists.
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.