perennial

Weeping Sedge Moonraker

Carex pendula 'Moonraker'

Same species

Species

Carex pendulaPendulous Sedge

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

18 inches

Width

24 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate to wet

Humidity

Prefers moist environments

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Europe and Asia

Toxicity

Non-toxic to humans and pets

The Story

Plant Bio

Carex pendula 'Moonraker' is a graceful, arching, evergreen sedge with fine, reed-like foliage featuring distinctive yellow stripes. It produces long, pendulous, catkin-like flower spikes in late spring. This cultivar is valued for its bright, variegated foliage that illuminates shady areas and its elegant, weeping flower clusters. It is a vigorous grower suitable for woodland gardens or moist borders.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesProvides lush, green foliage year-round, especially attractive in shaded gardens.
Practical UsesHelps stabilize soil on slopes, preventing erosion.
Ecological BenefitsSupports local insect populations with its dense foliage.

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Tuck seeds or divisions into prepared soil in early spring.
  2. Water regularly until established, about 6 weeks.
  3. Mist cuttings if propagating via division during active growth.
  4. Apply mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
  5. Fertilize lightly in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.
  6. Divide clumps every 3-4 years in early spring or fall.

Pro Tip

Ensure soil remains moist for best growth and color retention.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water consistently during dry periods 🌱
  • Mulch to conserve moisture
  • Divide every 3-4 years
  • Plant in well-draining soil
  • Monitor for pests

Don't

  • Allow soil to dry out completely ❌
  • Over-fertilize, which can cause legginess
  • Ignore weeds around the plant
  • Plant in overly compacted soil

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Deadhead
Divide
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shaded borderFoundation plantErosion control

Companion Plants

Hosta Ferns Astilbe Ligularia Japanese Forest Grass

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Weeping Sedge Moonraker questions

What zones can Weeping Sedge Moonraker grow in?

Weeping Sedge Moonraker is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Weeping Sedge Moonraker deer resistant?

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

When does Weeping Sedge Moonraker bloom?

Weeping Sedge Moonraker typically blooms in late spring to early summer through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Weeping Sedge Moonraker need full sun?

Weeping Sedge Moonraker does best in part shade.

Keep exploring

Grow Weeping Sedge Moonraker 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.