The Story
Plant Bio
Carex comans, the New Zealand hair sedge, is a fine-textured, evergreen, clump-forming sedge with very narrow, hair-like leaves that cascade in a fountain-like shape.
Valued for its fine, hair-like texture and graceful, weeping habit that creates movement in the garden. Foliage color varies by cultivar from green to bronze.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Grass
Height
15 inches
Width
18 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Water
Moderate, prefers moist soil
Humidity
Prefers moderate humidity
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
New Zealand
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring.
- Keep soil consistently moist during germination, which takes 2-3 weeks.
- Transplant seedlings when they are 4 inches tall, after the last frost.
- Water regularly to maintain even moisture, especially in dry periods.
- Divide clumps every 3-4 years in early spring for best vigor.
- Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Pro Tip
Use shaded or partially shaded areas with moist, well-draining soil for optimal growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature
- Divide clumps every few years for vigorous growth
- Prune dead or damaged foliage in early spring
Don't
- Avoid overwatering which can lead to root rot ❌
- Don’t expose to full, harsh sunlight in hot climates
- Refrain from allowing soil to dry out completely
- Don’t neglect dividing to prevent overcrowding
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
New Zealand Hair Sedge questions
What zones can New Zealand Hair Sedge grow in?
New Zealand Hair Sedge is hardy in USDA Zones 6–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is New Zealand Hair Sedge deer resistant?
Yes — New Zealand Hair Sedge is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does New Zealand Hair Sedge bloom?
New Zealand Hair Sedge typically blooms in late spring through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does New Zealand Hair Sedge need full sun?
New Zealand Hair Sedge does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
More Carex to compare
Pennsylvania Sedge
Carex pensylvanica
Everillo Sedge
Carex omegata 'Everillo'
Japanese Sedge
Carex morrowii
Evergold Japanese Sedge
Carex oshimensis 'Evergold'
Shortbeak Sedge
Carex brevior
Comosa Sedge
Carex comosa
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow New Zealand Hair Sedge with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.