Carex nigra 'Variegata' - Variegated Black Sedge

Variegated black sedge can be grown in moist to wet soil or in very shallow water. It is tolerant of full sun as long as it is constantly wet. However under drier conditions it requires shade and in part shade the colour will be better. It is a widely variable species. Ours probably originated in North America.

Description: cool season; evergreen, clump forming
Foliage - 3/8" wide, with creamy edges; 30-45cm (12-18") tall
Flowers - sparse and not showy; May-June

Ideal conditions: part shade to full shade; damp soil; will grow less vigorously in soils that are not constantly wet

Coldest Zone: 4 to 8 (find your zone; further info on plant hardiness)

Season of interest: four season

Partner with: Phragmites australis 'Variegata', spring bulbs

Suggested uses: ground cover in damp conditions; specimen; well-watered shady borders

Drought tolerance rating: 3 (water to root depth every week) further info

Native to: western half of North America, including Alaska

Recommended spacing between plants: 30-60 cm (12-24") why such a difference?

Pronunciation: Carex (KAIR-ex) nigra (NY-gruh)

Sizes available: gallon-size field clumps     Canadian price list   ||   US price list

More ornamental grasses

Compare Carex nigra 'Variegata' to our other grasses in this handy chart.