Description
Carex flacca (Glaucous Sedge) is a hardy, evergreen sedge prized for its blue‑green foliage, drought tolerance and exceptional versatility across dry, sunny, or calcareous sites. It is widely used in naturalistic planting, meadow schemes, green roofs and low‑input commercial production thanks to its resilience and ecological value.
Key Features:
Propagation method: Seeds.
Substrate: Jiffy propagation Mix.
Plug Size: 4.5cm.
Production system: Grown without artificial light or heating for hardened plants.
Height: 20–60 cm depending on site conditions.
Spread: 50–100 cm, slowly creeping to form loose mats.
Flower Colour: Purple‑brown male spikelets and brown‑green female spikelets in early summer.
Foliage: Narrow, stiff, hair‑like leaves; green above and glaucous blue beneath, giving a distinctive two‑tone effect.
Flowering Period: Early to mid‑summer (typically June–July).
Hardiness: Fully hardy in the UK (H7 equivalent).
Growth Habit & Ecology:
Carex flacca is one of the most widespread sedges in the UK, occurring in calcareous grasslands, dry meadows, coastal cliffs, wet meadows and even disturbed ground. Its adaptability makes it a cornerstone species in ecological restoration.
The plant forms slowly spreading clumps that stabilise soil, support invertebrates and add fine texture to mixed plantings. Its evergreen nature ensures year‑round structure.
Plant Care:
Plant in full sun or partial shade.
Moist but well‑drained or well‑drained soils and avoid waterlogged winter soils.
Thrives on chalk, limestone, sand, clay and neutral to alkaline substrates.
Tolerates drought once established and withstands coastal exposure.
Cut back old foliage in late winter to refresh colour.
Divide every 3–4 years if clumps become congested.
Mulch lightly with compost or leaf mould in spring.
Suitable for containers, meadow mixes, gravel gardens and green roofs.
Pollinator Value:
Although wind‑pollinated, Carex flacca provides:
Habitat for ground‑dwelling insects.
Structural cover for emerging larvae.
Seedheads that support micro‑fauna through winter.
Sensory Value:
Distinctive blue‑green foliage adds visual contrast.
Rustling leaves provide gentle sound in sensory gardens.
Evergreen presence supports year‑round sensory engagement.
Ecological Value:
Excellent for biodiversity‑rich grasslands.
Supports invertebrate communities.
Stabilises dry slopes and calcareous banks.
Suitable for SuDS edges, meadow restoration and coastal schemes.
Commercial Notes:
Carex flacca is ideal for:
Retail lines focused on drought‑tolerant, low‑maintenance plants.
Wildflower and meadow mixes.
Green roof and xeriscape projects.
Peat‑free, low‑input production (no heat or artificial light required).
Biodiversity‑focused garden ranges.
Landscape‑scale ecological restoration.
Carex flacca are supplied as strong, well-rooted, hardy plug plants ready for potting into pots up-to 2lt formats.
