Description
The ‘estacea’ is a real treat as it offers year-round interest, but with a bi-annual change in colour. From spring through to autumn the slender, arching leaves are olive-green in colour, but throughout winter the leaves intensify and hold a coppery-orange colour. Midsummer sees the arrival of brown flower spikelets, which sit nestled amongst the foliage. Towards the end of summer you get to enjoy the variety of the older olive-green leaves which sit alongside the newer coppery leaves.
This colourful sedge forms a dense mound and it works well in a bed or border with other perennials like the brighter Carex ‘Eversheen’. Or, for a real array of colours, plant this alongside another ornamental grass, like the Festuca ‘Elijah Blue’, as the differing colours and textures contrast beautifully. This hardy sedge also works well as a specimen when planted in a large pot and this can look particularly effective when you have two planted on either side of a door or path.
Common Name: Orange New Zealand Sedge
Latin Name: Carex testacea
Special features: An evergreen sedge with leaves that change colour.
