Orange New Zealand Sedge

Orange New Zealand Sedge

1 Gallon
$16.90
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Orange New Zealand Sedge
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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
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Description

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.

Quick Facts

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  • Light: Full sun to partial shade (best color in full sun)

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  • 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: 1-2 ft
  • Mature Spread: 3-5 ft
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Hardiness Zones: USDA 6-9 ; Sunset 4-9, 14-24
  • 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.

Faqs

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.

📍 Primary Delivery Area · San Francisco Bay Area

Local delivery across the Bay Area — and beyond.

San Francisco Bay Area is our primary local delivery market. Victory Nursery also serves additional California markets and selected extended delivery areas by arrangement.

Regular local delivery: San Francisco, Peninsula, South Bay, East Bay, Marin, Tracy / Mountain House and surrounding service areas.

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Gallon describes the container size, not a guaranteed plant height. Individual plants vary. Contact our nursery for current measurements.

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