grass

Red Hook Sedge

Carex punicea 'Firedance'

The Story

Plant Bio

Carex punicea is an evergreen, densely tufted clumping sedge native to New Zealand. The narrow, linear foliage forms an upright to arching fountain-like habit that persists year-round.

'Firedance' is distinguished by its rich coppery-red and bronze foliage that intensifies in color when grown in full sun. In mid to late summer, it produces narrow, upright spikes of inconspicuous brown to black flowers featuring distinctive hooked rachillas.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides striking, year-round coppery-red and bronze architectural foliage that intensifies in full sun.

Functions as a low-maintenance, non-toxic accent plant for containers and damp garden borders.

Offers minimal wildlife food value but provides low structural cover for ground-dwelling organisms.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Grass

Height

24"

Width

20"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

7, 8, 9

Water

High

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

New Zealand

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Mid summer – Late summer

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with humus-rich, well-draining loam or sandy soil.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and set the plant so the crown sits level with the surrounding soil.
Water thoroughly after planting and maintain consistent moisture, ensuring the soil never dries out completely.
Apply a light layer of organic mulch around the base to retain moisture, keeping it clear of the crown.

Pro Tip

Never shear this sedge back to a stubble in late winter like a deciduous ornamental grass, as cutting into the old woody crown will kill the plant. Instead, gently comb through the clump by hand to remove dead leaves and lightly trim any frost-damaged tips.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during hot summer dry spells.
Grow in full sun to achieve the most vivid coppery-red foliage coloration.
Hand-comb the foliage in late winter to remove dead or tattered leaves.

Don't

Do not shear the plant back to the ground, as it cannot regenerate from a denuded crown.
Do not allow the soil to become waterlogged, which triggers root rot.
Do not apply heavy, high-nitrogen fertilizers that cause weak, sappy growth.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

BordersContainersMass PlantingArchitectural Foliage

Companion Plants

Heuchera Hosta

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Red Hook Sedge questions

What zones can Red Hook Sedge grow in?

Red Hook Sedge is hardy in USDA Zones 7–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Red Hook Sedge deer resistant?

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

When does Red Hook Sedge bloom?

Red Hook Sedge typically blooms in mid summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Red Hook Sedge need full sun?

Red Hook Sedge does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.