Species

Carex comansNew Zealand Hair Sedge

1 other cultivar

‘Frosted Curls’Frosted Curls New Zealand Sedge

grass

Bronze New Zealand Hair Sedge

Carex comans 'Bronzina'

The Story

Plant Bio

Carex comans is an evergreen sedge native to New Zealand, forming dense, fountain-like mounds of extremely fine, hair-like foliage. The inconspicuous brown flower spikes appear on slender stems in late spring and summer, nesting quietly within the cascading tufts.

'Bronzina' is distinguished by its coppery, bronzy-brown leaves that display subtle metallic highlights when grown in full sun. This cultivar maintains its rich, warm coloration throughout the year, providing a striking structural contrast to green-foliaged garden companions.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides year-round coppery-bronze color and a fine-textured, cascading fountain-like form.

Highly effective for erosion control on slopes and performs exceptionally well in containers.

Offers protective cover for small ground-dwelling invertebrates.

SpeciesCarex comansNew Zealand Hair Sedge

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Grass

Height

10"

Width

18"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

New Zealand

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Late spring – Summer

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site with full sun to partial shade and exceptionally well-drained soil.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and set the plant at the same depth it was in the container.
Backfill with native soil mixed with grit or sand to ensure sharp drainage, then water in thoroughly.
Apply a light layer of mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the crown to prevent moisture retention.

Pro Tip

Do not shear this sedge to the ground in winter like a deciduous grass, as cutting into the crown can kill the plant; instead, gently comb out dead interior foliage by hand in spring.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in highly permeable, gritty soil to prevent winter wetness.
Gently comb out dead leaves with gloved fingers in early spring.
Water moderately during dry spells once the plant is established.

Don't

Do not cut the foliage back to the ground, which can permanently damage or kill the crown.
Do not plant in heavy clay or low-lying areas prone to standing water.
Avoid heavy applications of chemical fertilizers, which cause rapid stress.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Propagate
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Border EdgingRock GardensContainersMass PlantingsCoastal Gardens

Companion Plants

Heuchera Salvia Sedum

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Bronze New Zealand Hair Sedge questions

What zones can Bronze New Zealand Hair Sedge grow in?

Bronze New Zealand Hair Sedge is hardy in USDA Zones 6–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Bronze New Zealand Hair Sedge deer resistant?

Yes — Bronze New Zealand Hair Sedge is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Bronze New Zealand Hair Sedge bloom?

Bronze New Zealand Hair Sedge typically blooms in late spring through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Bronze New Zealand Hair Sedge need full sun?

Bronze New Zealand Hair Sedge does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Bronze New Zealand Hair Sedge drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Bronze New Zealand Hair Sedge handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.