Carex – World Travelers and Masters of Adaptation

Grasses in the garden are not only great gap fillers, but they also make a visual impact. Carex is the perfect ornamental grass for the garden.

Not only the different colors, but also the various soil requirements make this ornamental grass an absolute all-rounder in the flowerbed.

Carex, also known as sedges, are true world travelers. And not just since yesterday—fossil plant findings show that Carex has been around for over 30 million years. What's remarkable is that they can be found almost everywhere, except in tropical lowlands. Few other plants can be found in so many different locations. However, the majority of the species we know and love come from North America and East Asia. But that's no problem, because the Carex species we are familiar with are extremely popular. No wonder, given their versatile abilities!

When designing your own garden, you often encounter difficulties: many plants can't tolerate direct sunlight, some need a spot in partial shade, while others require a lot or little water. Carex are true masters of adaptation. There is a suitable ornamental grass from this genus for almost any location. Whether it's a moist or dry, sunny or shady spot, the variety of Carex is vast, and the possibilities for design are almost limitless. One thing all Carex have in common, though, is that they are undemanding and very low-maintenance.

Carex are anything but boring ornamental grasses. Not only can they grow almost anywhere, but their flowers are also something truly special. Carex produce both female and male flowers on the same stem. As expected, there are not only sexual differences: the male flowers are rather inconspicuous and sit at the tip of the shoot. The female flowers, however, take it a step further. They resemble small cones on the plant. But it's not just the flowers— the different leaf colors of Carex also make them so popular in garden design. No wonder, as each Carex is a little work of art in itself.