Carex brunnera Variegata

Description

Carex brunnea ‘Variegata’ – variegated brown sedge

Botanical name: Carex brunnea ‘Variegata’
Common names: Greater brown sedge
Family: Cyperaceae (sedge family)
Plant type: Evergreen sedge
Habit: Arching, mound-forming
Pot size: 2–3 litre pot
Eventual size: Approx. 30–45cm tall × 40cm spread
Foliage: Arching, narrow green leaves finely edged and striped with creamy-white; evergreen
Flowers: Insignificant brownish flower spikes; grown for its foliage
Scent: Not scented
Aspect / light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Moist but well-drained, humus-rich; any pH
Hardiness: RHS H4 (hardy, to about −10°C); best with shelter in cold gardens; USDA zones 7–9
Exposure: Sheltered or open
Native range: Species native to Asia and Australasia
Toxicity / pet & child safety: Generally considered non-toxic to people and pets

Carex brunnea ‘Variegata’ is a graceful sedge with arching green leaves finely striped in creamy-white, forming a fountain-like mound. Bright and elegant, it is ideal for containers, borders and lightly shaded spots.

GardenAdvice notes

An elegant, arching evergreen sedge with fine cream-and-green variegated foliage, forming a neat fountain-like mound. It brings a bright, fresh note to borders and is especially good in containers, where its cascading variegated leaves can be shown off. Slightly tender, it appreciates a sheltered spot in colder gardens.

Growing & planting

Plant in spring or autumn in moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil, in full sun to partial shade. Space about 40cm apart; it establishes into a neat clump. Improve very dry or very wet ground before planting. In cold gardens, a sheltered position or a container that can be protected suits it best.

Care & maintenance

Sedges are not cut hard to the ground like many grasses. Instead, in spring comb through the clump with gloved fingers or a spring-tined rake to pull out the dead leaves, and trim off any tatty foliage; a very untidy plant can be cut back harder to encourage fresh growth. Water in dry spells, as most sedges dislike drying out, and divide congested clumps in spring.

Propagation

• Division: Lift and divide clumps in spring — quick, easy and the standard method.
• Seed: Species can be raised from seed, though named forms are best from division.

Pests & diseases

Generally trouble-free. Aphids occasionally occur, and clumps can rot or die out in the centre in cold, wet, poorly drained conditions. Good drainage and combing out dead growth keep plants healthy.

Uses in the garden

Ideal in containers and pots, at the front of borders, in lightly shaded spots and contemporary plantings, where its arching variegated foliage brings brightness and movement.

Wildlife value

The dense tufts provide ground-level cover for insects and small creatures, and sedges support a range of wildlife in damp and naturalistic plantings.

Toxicity & safety

Sedges are generally regarded as non-toxic to people and pets.

GardenAdvice tip

‘Variegata’ looks wonderful spilling from a pot, its cream-striped leaves arching like a fountain — so make the most of it in a container near a doorway or on a patio. It’s a touch tender, so in a cold garden keep it sheltered or move pots somewhere protected for winter, and comb out old leaves in spring rather than cutting it down.

Our plants are guaranteed for 24 months for more details Click Here