Description
Carex germinata, commonly known as Rautahi or Wetland Cutty Grass.
- Botanical Characteristics:
- Habit: Carex germinata is a perennial, tufted grass-like plant.
- Height: Typically grows between 80 to 100cm in height.
- Foliage: Narrow, arching leaves with a vibrant green colour. Called Cutty Grass as the leaves have a sharp edge which may restrict planting location
- Flowers: Inconspicuous flowers arranged in spikelets.
- Habitat: Thrives in a variety of environments, including wetlands, and stream banks.
- Cultural Requirements:
- Sunlight: Prefers partial to full sun.
- Soil: Well-drained, moist soil is ideal.
- Water: Requires regular watering, especially during dry periods. It is well-suited to damp or marshy conditions.
- Landscaping and Garden Use in New Zealand:
- Erosion Control: Carex germinata’s extensive root system makes it an excellent choice for stabilizing soil in erosion-prone areas.
- Wetland Gardens: Due to its natural habitat in wetlands, New Zealand sedge is an ideal addition to gardens with water features or those prone to waterlogging.
- Understory Planting: Its graceful, arching foliage makes it a valuable plant for understory planting in shaded areas beneath trees and taller plants.
- Maintenance:
- Pruning: Generally low-maintenance, but periodic pruning can help maintain an attractive appearance and control its spread.
- Mulching: Applying a layer of mulch around the base can help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
Plants are suppled in 5cm pots and average 1 year in age.
