Also known as Sedge · 4.6k saves
Carex
Carex, the genus most gardeners know as sedge. We track 89 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 24 most-saved Carex varieties
See all 89 Carex varieties →Search this genus →
21 species of Carex
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Carex in Sow
Save the Carex you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Carex
Whats common across all Carex varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 40 most-grown of them.
The Carex year
- DivideMarch, April and September95% of varieties
Divide large clumps every 3-5 years if center growth weakens
- Spring CleanupFebruary75% of varieties
Rake out dead or winter-damaged foliage before new growth begins
- PlantMarch, April, September and October48% of varieties
Plant plugs or divisions in spring or early fall
- MulchMarch35% of varieties
Apply a thin layer of organic mulch in spring
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature
- Prune dead or damaged foliage in early spring
- Mulch annually to conserve moisture
- Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Avoid overwatering in winter ❌
- Refrain from disturbing roots during dormancy
- Allow soil to dry out completely ❌
What goes wrong with Carex
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Mealybugs | White, cottony masses on foliage | Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Root rot | Wilting and browning of foliage | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| None | No serious pest problems. | Its preference for wet habitats deters many common garden pests. |
| Root rot | Wilting and browning of foliage | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Rust | Orange pustules on leaves | Apply copper fungicide and improve air circulation |
| Fungal leaf spot | Dark spots on leaves | Use copper fungicide and remove affected foliage |
Making more Carex
Division
- Dig up mature clumps in early spring or fall
- Separate into smaller sections with roots attached
- Plant divisions immediately at the same depth
- Water thoroughly after planting
Seed
- Collect seeds after seed heads mature.
- Sow seeds on moist soil surface in early spring.
- Keep soil consistently moist during germination.
- Germination typically takes 4-6 weeks.
Carex questions
How many types of Carex are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 89 distinct Carex varieties. The most popular — ranked by 4.6k real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Carex grow in?
Across its varieties, Carex covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Carex bloom?
Most Carex varieties bloom in mid-spring, early summer, late spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Carex should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.