Sedges are versatile flowering plants that can add unique texture, color, and visual interest to ornamental gardens. With slender blades and interesting seed heads, many sedges have an almost grass-like appearance. But they are actually more closely related to rushes. Sedges can offer delicate foliage and texture that contrasts beautifully with flowers, shrubs, and other garden plants. When selected carefully, they make striking additions as accents, borders, filler, or groundcovers.

Here are 10 of the most popular sedges to consider for your ornamental garden:

Blue Sedge (Carex flacca)

With its attractive blue-green foliage, blue sedge is a great choice for adding a pop of cool color to sunny gardens. Growing up to 15 inches tall and wide, this sedge forms a lush, grassy clump. Blue-green leaves have a distinctive curl that adds visual appeal. In spring, short tan flower spikes emerge. Blue sedge thrives in a variety of soil types and needs little care once established. It looks fantastic along walkways, in rock gardens, or massed as a ground cover.

Bowles Golden Sedge (Carex elata Bowles Golden)

A standout variety with dramatic bright yellow leaves, Bowles golden sedge lights up shady garden beds and borders. Slowly spreading to form large clumps around 12 inches tall and 18 inches wide, this eye-catching sedge really commands attention. Leaves maintain their golden color all season long. Pair Bowles golden sedge with hostas, ferns, and other shade plants to add striking contrast. The greenish flower spikes in spring blend right in with the foliage.

Variegated Japanese Sedge (Carex morrowii Variegata)

A variegated grassy clump with crisp white margins on slender green leaves, this sedge grows 6 to 12 inches tall and wide. It adds a punch of contrast and texture when planted with perennials and shrubs. The dense mounds spread slowly by underground rhizomes. Variegated Japanese sedge thrives in part shade and brings light into shaded planting beds thanks to the white variegation. Greenish flowers are insignificant but add seasonal interest.

Palm Sedge (Carex muskingumensis)

Reaching about 2 feet tall and wide, palm sedge has a tropical look thanks to its graceful weeping foliage. The slender leaves originate in a central crown or vase shape, arching outward and cascading down in a palm-like form. Light green foliage takes on a yellowish fall color. Small brown flower spikes aren’t particularly showy but complement the lush foliage. Use palm sedge as an accent plant or low groundcover around trees, next to water features, or in containers. It also tolerates wet soil.

Variegated Umbrella Palm Sedge (Carex muskingumensis Oehme)

For even more dramatic, tropical-inspired texture, try variegated umbrella palm sedge. Its arching green leaves feature splashes and stripes of white variegation. Growing up to 2 feet tall and wide, variegated umbrella palm sedge looks amazing as a stand-alone specimen or planted en masse. The bright white variegation really catches the eye. Plant it along patios, walkways, or pond edges. Afternoon shade helps prevent leaf burn in hot, sunny climates.

Silver Sedge (Carex buchananii)

One of the most striking sedges with its silvery white foliage, silver sedge forms dense, vase-shaped clumps up to 10 to 18 inches tall. The gracefully arching leaves shimmer in the landscape like no other plant. Silver sedge prefers partial shade and consistently moist soil. It works beautifully along woodland paths and shady garden beds. Combine it with ferns, hostas, astilbes, and other shade plants to highlight its distinctive silvery color.

Dwarf Yellow Sedge (Carex elata Aurea)

A compact variety reaching 4 to 8 inches tall and 8 to 12 inches wide, dwarf yellow sedge is ideal for edging borders or massing as vivid groundcover. Its fine-textured yellow foliage remains a bright chartreuse-yellow year round. Tiny dark brown flower spikes pop up in spring but are barely noticeable. Dwarf yellow sedge thrives in partial shade and moist, well-draining soil. It combines perfectly with blue-hued plants like blue star creeper or blue fescue grass for striking contrast.

Frosted Curls Sedge (Carex siderosticha Frosted Curls)

For fun spiraled foliage, Frosted Curls sedge is a great choice. The green leaves twist and curl to form tight ringlets. Growing 8 to 12 inches tall and wide, Frosted Curls sedge makes an excellent ground cover thanks to its dense growth habit. It also looks fantastic in containers or as edging. Creamy white variegation on the leaf edges and margins adds to its unique appeal. Use Frosted Curls sedge to add texture and whimsy to gardens and landscapes.

Red Rooster Sedge (Carex buchananii Red Rooster)

Red Rooster sedge is an exciting new variety known for its showy red-tinged foliage. The arching leaves emerge with a striking red blush on the tips, adding pops of color. The red tones fade to green in summer but return in cooler fall temperatures. Growing 12 to 18 inches tall and wide, Red Rooster sedge forms vase-shaped clumps and makes a bold statement in the garden. Plant it in partial sun to full shade gardens. Red Rooster sedge looks particularly striking when paired with green foliage plants.

Ice Dance Carex (Carex morrowii Ice Dance)

A variegated sedge that brightens up shady planting beds, Ice Dance forms grassy mounds 8 to 12 inches tall and wide. Its gracefully arching narrow green leaves are edged in frosty white variegation. As an added bonus, Ice Dance sedge shows good drought tolerance once established. For the brightest white margins, plant Ice Dance sedge in partial shade. Use it as an edging plant or mass in groups as decorative groundcover.

When to Plant Sedges

One of the best times for planting sedges is in the cool weather of spring or fall. Planting in spring allows the sedges to establish roots before heat arrives. Fall planting gives them a head start to root in before winter dormancy.

Container-grown sedges can also be planted throughout the growing season as long as they are watered regularly during establishment. Avoid planting sedges during the dead heat of summer when they are more likely to struggle.

Where to Plant Sedges in the Landscape

• As accent plants or specimens
• Mixed into perennial and shrub borders
• As edging along fences, pathways, patios, or driveways
• In containers and planters
• As groundcovers or lawn alternatives
• In rain gardens and areas with drainage issues
• Around ponds, pools, fountains or other water features
• In rock gardens, scree gardens, or alpine gardens
• Along woodland paths or shady garden beds
• Near downspouts or areas that get seasonal water runoff
• In coastal gardens and areas with sandy soil

How to Care for Ornamental Sedges

• Most sedges prefer evenly moist soils. Water during dry spells once established.
• Plant in part to full shade for best results with most varieties. Light afternoon shade is ideal.
• Remove spent flower spikes by cutting or pinching them off to encourage new growth.
• Clip off any damaged foliage or remove tattered leaves in late winter.
• Divide large clumps every few years in early spring to promote vigor.
• Fertilize lightly with a balanced organic fertilizer in spring if needed.
• Prune or cut back excess growth as needed to control spread.
• Mulch around the base with 2-3 inches of organic matter like bark chips or leaves.
• Sedum sedge weeds may sometimes germinate – hand pull when young or spot treat.

Design Tips for Using Sedges in Gardens

Combine sedges with small perennials like lenten roses, coral bells, epimediums, and alpine plants. The fine textured sedges make an excellent backdrop to highlight shorter flowering plants in the foreground.

Pair sedges with bulbs and annuals. The slender sedges don’t hide spring bulbs like tulips or daffodils. And their grassy form contrasts nicely with delicate annuals.

Use sedges as living mulch under trees and shrubs. Their low-growing nature allows them to thrive under high canopy plants. Sedums will fill in around structures without impeding root growth.

Edge garden beds and borders with sedges for a softer, more organic look than plastic edging or stones. They help keep neighboring plants contained.

Combine sedges with ornamental grasses. Choose sedges like Carex pensylvanica that complement and contrast with upright and mounding grasses.

Select sedges with colored foliage to create exciting combinations. For example, a chartreuse sedge like Carex elata ‘Bowles Golden’ pops against wine-colored leaves or purple flowers.

Plant sedges in drifts or wide swaths as an alternative to lawns in shady areas. They provide lush cover but don’t need mowing.

Let sedges fill in blank spots with their low-maintenance nature and spreading habit. They provide a backdrop for other plants to shine.

Use container plantings to feature showy sedges as specimens on patios, porches, and decks. Combine with annuals or herbs.

Add height and structure by incorporating some of the larger sedge varieties in sheltered spots, borders, and rain gardens.

Common Problems and Solutions for Growing Healthy Sedges

Growing sedges successfully requires choosing the right planting location, allowing for adequate moisture, and providing proper general care. Avoiding certain issues will also help keep ornamental sedges looking their best.

Problem: Sedums contract fungal leaf spots

Solution: Improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering. Remove and destroy severely infected foliage.

Problem: Leaves turn brown or look burned

Solution: Check soil moisture and water during dry periods. Move to a shadier spot if needed.

Problem: Foliage appears yellow and stunted

Solution: Fertilize lightly with a balanced organic fertilizer to provide missing nutrients.

Problem: Weeds pop up in sedum plantings

Solution: Hand pull weeds when small. Mulch beds to block light from reaching weed seeds.

Problem: Plants die out in center or look thin and leggy

Solution: Divide large clumps every 2-3 years to promote vigor and fullness.

Problem: Foliage develops an unattractive flopped over appearance

Solution: Cut or prune back overly long and damaged leaves to improve appearance.

FAQs about Growing Ornamental Sedges

What are some good companion plants for sedges?

Some great options include astilbes, coral bells, hostas, hellebores, ferns, grasses, small shrubs, and spring bulbs.

How much sun do sedges need?

Most prefer partial shade or light all day shade. Very few do well in full sun, which tends to burn the thin leaves.

Should I cut back sedges in winter?

It’s not required but you can prune off any dead or damaged leaves in late winter to improve appearance.

Do I need to water sedges?

Sedges need regular watering until well established. Then they have reasonable drought tolerance. Supplement rainfall in very dry periods.

Will sedges spread or take over a garden?

Some species like palm sedge and silver sedge are well-behaved clumpers that won’t spread far. Others like Pennsylvania sedge can spread more aggressively.

Are sedges deer resistant?

Deer tend to leave many sedges alone since they have low palatability. But deer preferences can vary regionally. Fencing may still be needed.

Should I fertilize my ornamental sedges?

In most cases, sedges don’t need regular fertilizing. But a light feeding of balanced organic fertilizer in early spring can promote growth.

What kind of soil do sedges prefer?

Rich, moisture-retentive soil is ideal but sedges tolerate a range of soil types provided they don’t dry out completely. Lighten heavy clay soils with organic matter.

How do I propagate more sedge plants?

You can divide large clumps in early spring. Or take stem cuttings in summer. Removing and replanting rhizomes also works for some species.

Conclusion

With their slender arching leaves and grassy texture, sedges are tailor-made to enhance ornamental gardens. They excel as accents, edging, groundcovers, or tucked into borders and rock gardens. They come in a huge range of sizes, forms, and foliage colors. From cool blue hues to bright gold tones, the beautiful diversity of sedges makes them a mainstay for gardeners and landscapers. When sited properly and cared for correctly, ornamental sedges require little maintenance to add their graceful appeal year after year. Any of these 10 popular sedge varieties can elevate your landscape with texture, color, and visual interest. Incorporate a few of these beauties this season to see how they can freshen up your garden beds, borders, containers, and more.