Orange New Zealand Sedge (Carex testacea) | Copper-Bronze Grass-Like Perennial

Orange New Zealand Sedge

1 Gallon

$16.90

$16.90 $0.00

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Orange New Zealand Sedge

Carex testacea

A striking, evergreen sedge with vibrant orange, bronze, and olive-green foliage and a graceful, weeping habit.

$16.90

$16.90 $0.00

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Bay Area–Based Nursery

We specialize in plants grown and delivered in their original pots and soil.
Because of their size and weight, our plants are not suitable for long-distance shipping and are delivered locally to ensure health and quality.

While delivery is limited to our local service area, we’re happy to support garden design and plant selection remotely.

For local plant professionals, we’re always glad to connect and explore ways to support your customers.

Carex testacea is a striking, evergreen perennial sedge prized for its vibrant, warm-colored foliage and graceful, weeping habit. Native to New Zealand, this fine-textured grass-like plant forms a dense, arching clump of narrow, hair-like leaves in a blend of olive-green, bronze, and bright orange, with the most intense orange and copper hues developing in full sun and cooler weather. In late spring to early summer, it produces inconspicuous, brownish flower spikes, but the plant is grown primarily for its spectacular, year-round foliage color. Exceptionally drought-tolerant once established, adaptable to a range of well-drained soils, and deer resistant, it is an outstanding choice for borders, mass plantings, rock gardens, containers, coastal gardens, and as a colorful accent in water-wise landscapes.

Knowing how we measure the size?

When browsing our plants, you may notice size terms such as Gallon, Multi, or Stand. These describe how a plant is grown, containerized, or structured at the time of sale — not just its height. Understanding these terms will help you choose the right plant for your space and expectations.

🌱 Gallon Size (Container Size)

Gallon refers to the size of the nursery container the plant is currently growing in (e.g. 1 Gallon, 5 Gallon, 15 Gallon).

A larger gallon size generally means:
- A more established root system
- A sturdier plant
- Faster visual impact after planting
Example:
- 5 Gallon: Ideal for residential gardens, easy to handle, good balance of value and maturity
- 15 Gallon: More mature, provides quicker results in the landscape

Note: Gallon size does not guarantee a specific height, as growth varies by species.

🌳 Multi (Multi-Trunk / Multi-Branch Form)

Multi indicates the plant has multiple trunks or main stems growing from the base.

Commonly used for:
- Ornamental trees
- Feature plants
- Japanese maples, olives, crepe myrtles, etc.
Why choose Multi:
- Fuller, more sculptural appearance
- Strong visual presence even at younger ages
- Popular for design-focused landscapes

🌲 Stand (Single-Trunk / Standard Form)

Stand (short for Standard) refers to a single, dominant trunk with a raised or naturally formed canopy.

Commonly used for:
- Shade trees
- Street trees
- Orchard and structural plantings
Why choose Stand:
- Clean, classic tree form
- Easier clearance for walkways and lawns
- Preferred for long-term structure and uniformity

🌿 Choosing the Right Size

If you want instant impact → larger Gallon, Multi form
If you want long-term structure → Stand form
If you want flexibility and value → mid-size Gallon containers

If you’re unsure which size or form fits your project, our team is happy to help you select the best option based on your space, timeline, and design goals.

Foliage & Flowers: Dense, arching, weeping clump of narrow, hair-like, fine-textured leaves in olive-green, bronze, and bright orange (intensifies in sun/cool weather); inconspicuous brownish flower spikes in late spring to early summer .
Mature Height: 12-24 inches (1-2 ft)
Mature Spread: 36-60 inches (3-5 ft)
Growth Rate: Moderate
Hardiness Zones: USDA 6-9 ; Sunset 4-9, 14-24
Light Requirement: Full sun to partial shade (best color in full sun)
Core Benefits: Vibrant orange, bronze, and olive-green foliage, graceful weeping habit, drought tolerant, deer resistant, year-round color.
Best Uses: Borders, mass plantings, rock gardens, containers, coastal gardens, water-wise landscapes, erosion control on slopes.

Q: How large does Orange New Zealand Sedge get?
A: It forms a dense, arching clump, typically reaching 1-2 feet in height and 3-5 feet in spread.

Q: How much sun does it need for the best orange color?
A: For the most intense orange and copper hues, plant in full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily). In partial shade, the foliage will be greener with less orange.

Q: Is it drought tolerant?
A: Yes, once established, it is drought tolerant. Water regularly during its first year, then little to no supplemental water is needed. It thrives in well-drained soils.

Q: Is it evergreen?
A: Yes, it is evergreen in mild winter climates, retaining its colorful foliage year-round. In colder zones, it may be semi-evergreen.

Q: Is it a true grass?
A: No, despite its grass-like appearance, it is a sedge (Carex). Sedges have triangular stems, while true grasses have round stems (a common mnemonic: "sedges have edges").

Q: Does it flower?
A: Yes, it produces small, inconspicuous, brownish flower spikes in late spring to early summer, but the plant is grown primarily for its foliage.