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Buy Carex elata 'Aurea'

Also Known As

  • Carex elata 'Bowles Golden'
  • Bowles Golden Sedge

Plant type

perennial, grass / grass like

size

  • H: 1'-3'
  • W: 1'-3'

planting zones

  • 5a-10b

3.5" | $12

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Fewer than 20 at Secret Garden Growers

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Carex elata 'Aurea' plant details

Carex elata 'Aurea' is a deciduous or semi-evergreen perennial grass (or grassy in appearance) with chartreuse foliage. In summer chocolate and tan flowers emerge. Features grassy texture. Grows well with mostly sun - shade and even moisture - regular water. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in average, clay, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant, humidity tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Carex elata 'Aurea'

Plant type: perennial grass (or grassy in appearance)
Plant family: cyperaceae
Foliage: deciduous or semi-evergreen chartreuse
Mature size: 1 FT - 3 FT - wide, 1 FT - 3 FT - tall
Flowers: chocolate and tan blooms in summer
Uses: border plant, container plant, woodland garden, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Carex elata 'Aurea'

USDA Zones: 5a - 10b
Sun exposure: mostly sun - shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Resistant to: deer, heat, humidity and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average, clay, rich and well-drained

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Nursery contributed plant descriptions

A wee grass perfect for your moistest patch of garden. Native to wetlands and other perpetually damp areas across most of North America, including California, this 1’ tall sedge forms a clump of loose, arching foliage. In Summer, 15” tall flower stalks emerge topped by inconspicuous flowers that eventually form small, round fruits that turn a showy golden orange before dispersing. Plant in well-draining soil where it will receive plenty of water – near ponds, pools, or splashy fountains is perfect. Spreads slowly over time.

By: Annie's Annuals & Perennials

This arching sedge has been available for many years. But, still makes a pretty plant. The 18" plant has golden narrow arching leaves all summer. Evergreen, but best cut back in early spring.
This is a good looking grass like plant that is perfect for moister soil in sun or partial shade. Bright golden leaves thinly edged in green form clumps up to 18-30" tall with an equal spread. Great paired with Astilbes, Ferns and Rodgersia.
This superlative sedge is fantastic in part sun to shade. The grass-like foliage is like a golden fountain which combines perfectly with blue-leaved hostas, toadlilies and ferns.
This beautiful sedge offers the clearest yellow of any grass, plus a courtly, rounded form. Its compact size is ideal for the rock garden or mixed border. Best of all, the coloring becomes even more brilliant in partial shade. Use it to enliven the woodland garden, or make a stunning statement by planting it with other golden foliage or with the contrasting leaves of Pulmonaria 'Roy Davidson'. Bowles Golden will become a dense stand in only a few seasons.
A dense clumping winter dormant perennial sedge. Long, weeping, linear, bright yellow-green, grass-like foliage in dense tufts. In late Spring to Summer slender stalst of pendant black catkins are produced. One of the best grassy plants. Cut back to ground level in Winter. For best results provide with plenty of moisture.

By: Zephs

Bright golden foliage w/ green margins.
This unusual little sedge from the eastern U.S. forms a nice 6-8" symmetrical mound – Fine textured – Evergreen – Woodland cutie or rock garden feature, even nice solo in a smallish pot on a side table! Sun to light shade, most soils, average moisture – collector's gem!
I doubt we could be without this useful, hardy, and brilliant Carex. Luminous chartreuse new spring growth thrives in sun to shade (gold in sun, chartreuse or brilliant light green in shade) and average moisture to wet soils. Try it in partial shade with Hosta 'Abiqua Drinking Gourd' (blue-green), or with Hosta 'Tokudama Flavocircinalis,' containing both light green and blue-green within the leaf) - shazam!

Gardening facts about Carex elata 'Aurea' plant

How to Grow Carex elata 'Aurea'

  • Sun Exposure

    • mostly sun - shade
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture - regular
  • Soil Needs

    • clay
    • adaptable
    • average
    • well-drained
    • rich
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant
    • humidity tolerant
    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • chartreuse
  • Flower Color

    • tan
    • chocolate
  • Wildlife

    • deer resistant
  • Flower Season

    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous
    • semi-evergreen
  • Texture

    • grassy
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