A large genus of more than 1500 species of grass-like plants, commonly known as sedges. At least 70 species are native to New Zealand. Their foliage is grass-like and they are clump or tussock forming, softening the edges in a landscape design like few other plants can do. They grow naturally and are bred in a wide range of colours, and can therefore compliment any planting scheme. Some are tall, some are short, some are curly, some are drooping and some are stiff. There is a Carex for every effect you could wish to create.   

The flowers of the genus are insignificant but do add a dimension to the plant as they form their seed heads which generally stand proud of the grass-like foliage, waving about gracefully in the breeze.  The cultivation requirements of the plants vary, although most species need full sun or part-shade, some being more adaptable to woodland settings, preferring moist soil, whilst others are completely forgiving of being left in hot, arid conditions without much attention at all. The latter are more suited to rock gardens or to softening the edges of stony walkways.  

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