Description
Carex comans, commonly known as the New Zealand hair sedge, is a versatile and ornamental grass species native to New Zealand. With its distinctive tufted foliage Carex comans has become a popular choice for landscaping in New Zealand gardens.
Characteristics:
- Foliage:
- Carex comans is characterized by its fine, arching leaves that resemble fine hair.
- Foliage colour varies, including shades of green, bronze, or reddish-brown, providing a visually appealing texture to the garden.
- Size:
- Typically grows to a height of 30 to 60 centimeters, making it suitable for various garden settings, including borders, rockeries, and containers.
- Adaptability:
- Well-suited to a range of soil types, including well-drained soils, and can tolerate both full sun and partial shade. Does not like wet water logged soils.
- Exhibits drought tolerance once established, making it resilient to New Zealand’s varying climatic conditions.
Cultivation and Care:
- Planting:
- Choose a well-drained location with exposure to sunlight for optimal growth. It with stand part shade to full sun.
- Space plants according to their mature size, ensuring proper air circulation – up to 30-40cm apart.
- Soil Requirements:
- Incorporate organic matter into the soil to enhance fertility and drainage if the clay content in the soil is high.
- Watering:
- Water newly planted Carex comans regularly until established.
- Once established, the plant is relatively drought-tolerant, but occasional watering during dry periods is beneficial.
- Pruning:
- Trim back dead or damaged foliage in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth.
- Divide mature clumps every few years to rejuvenate the plant and maintain its vigor.
Practical Uses in New Zealand Gardens:
- Groundcover:
- Carex comans forms dense clumps, making it an excellent groundcover option for open areas in the garden.
- Its fine texture adds visual interest and complements other plants.
- Borders and Edging:
- Create defined borders or edges in garden beds by planting Carex comans in rows.
- Its arching foliage softens hardscapes and provides a natural, unstructured look.
- Container Planting:
- Well-suited for container gardening, Carex comans can be used to add texture and movement to patios, decks, or balconies.
Supplied plants are in 5cm pots and average 1 to 1.5 years in age.