Photo of Carex flagellifera foliage by Hans Mesker

Photo by Hans Mesker

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Carex flagellifera

Also Known As

  • Weeping Brown Sedge

Plant type

perennial, grass / grass like

size

  • H: 14"-20"
  • W: 12"-14"

planting zones

  • 6a-9b

More Options

Carex flagellifera plant details

Carex flagellifera is an evergreen perennial grass (or grassy in appearance) with chocolate and red foliage. In spring flowers emerge. Features grassy texture. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and even moisture water. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Carex flagellifera

Plant type: perennial grass (or grassy in appearance)
Plant family: cyperaceae
Foliage: evergreen chocolate and red
Mature size: 12 IN - 14 IN - wide, 14 IN - 20 IN - tall
Uses: container plant, edging plant, rock garden, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Carex flagellifera

USDA Zones: 6a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: even moisture
Resistant to: heat and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Infused with rich earth tones evoking a Zen-like simplicity, the weeping ultra-fine clump of long and thin, dark chocolate-colored blades sets this mop-top New Zealander apart. Carex flagellifera's easily melded tones and fluid upright arching form brings textural intrigue to containers, the rockery, walls or borders, whether installed as a stand-alone or a sweep. Arresting when juxtaposed against broad greenery, blue-gray foliage or any brightly hued bloom, Weeping Brown Sedge obliges sun, shade, moisture and somewhat dry conditions, and remains evergreen where winters are mild.
A handsome sedge with a distinctive form, the weeping brown sedge forms flowing, shaggy mounds of fine-textured, coppery-brown foliage to 2' tall. The unusual color is useful as a singular accent or in a sweeping mass. Best in moist, well-drained soils in light shade, though plants will tolerate full sun along the coast. Provide a "haircut" periodically by gathering the hair-like foliage into a bunch and trimming off a few inches from the raggedy tips. A delightful plant offering elegance and character to the California garden. Hardy to 0 °F. New Zealand.
Tawny brown arching foliage that takes on coppery pink tones as the season progresses. A "tender" sedge that has been wintering over for us in well drained soil here in zone 6.

Gardening facts about Carex flagellifera plant

How to Grow Carex flagellifera

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly shade
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture - drought tolerant
  • Soil Needs

    • well-drained
    • rich
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant
    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • red
    • chocolate
  • Flower Season

    • spring
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
  • Texture

    • grassy

See other plant types of Carex for your garden

aka Carex elata 'Bowles Golden', Bowles Golden Sedge

Plant Type

Perennial, Grass / Grass Like

Zones

5a-10b

Size

Height: 1'-3'

Width: 1'-3'

  • mostly sun - shade
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Carex elata 'Aurea' by plant lust
View Plant

aka Sparkler Palm Sedge

Plant Type

Perennial, Grass / Grass Like

Zones

7b-10b

Size

Height: 12"-24"

Width: 12"-24"

  • mostly sun - shade
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Carex phyllocephala 'Sparkler' by plant lust
View Plant

More Options

aka Leatherleaf Sedge

Plant Type

Perennial, Grass / Grass Like

Zones

7a-10b

Size

Height: 12"-36"

Width: 12"-24"

  • sun - mostly shade
  • even moisture - occasional
Photo of Carex buchananii foliage by Stickpen
View Plant

More Options

aka Broad-leaf Silver Sedge

Plant Type

Perennial, Grass / Grass Like

Zones

4a-9b

Size

Height: 6"-12"

Width: 12"-18"

  • sun - shade
  • even moisture - drought tolerant
Photo of Carex platyphylla foliage, habit by Jay Sturner
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aka Goldband Japanese Sedge

Plant Type

Perennial, Grass / Grass Like, Aquatic

Zones

5a-9b

Size

Height: 6"-12"

Width: 12"-24"

  • sun - shade
  • even moisture
Photo of Carex morrowii 'Goldband' by Patricia Cunningham
View Plant

More Options

+128 more Carex
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