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Carex buchananii

Image of Carex buchananii

James H. Schutte

Family

Cyperaceae

Botanical Name

Carex buchananii

Plant Common Name

Buchanan's Sedge, Leatherleaf Sedge

General Description

This native of New Zealand is an outstanding foliage plant. Commonly called leatherleaf sedge, it is an evergreen perennial that forms dense, upright to fountain-shaped clumps of fine, coppery foliage. Sun-loving and tough, it prefers average soil that is well drained but evenly moist. It may be planted in containers or mixed with colorful annuals and perennials in the garden.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    9 - 5

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    6 - 9

  • Sunset Zone

    2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 23, 24

  • Plant Type

    Sedge or Rush

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun, Partial Sun

  • Height

    20"-30" / 50.8cm - 76.2cm

  • Width

    24"-36" / 61.0cm - 91.4cm

  • Bloom Time

    Summer, Late Summer

  • Native To

    New Zealand

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral

  • Soil Drainage

    Average

  • Soil type

    Loam, Sand

  • Growth Rate

    Medium

  • Habit

    Arching/Fountain-shaped

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Insignificant

  • Flower Color

    Sandy Brown

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Orange, Sandy Brown, Copper

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Orange, Sandy Brown, Copper

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Orange, Sandy Brown, Copper

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Orange, Sandy Brown, Copper

  • Fragrant Flowers

    No

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    Yes

  • Foliage Texture

    Fine

  • Foliage Sheen

    Glossy

  • Evergreen

    Yes

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Usage

    Container, Edging, Feature Plant, Foundation, Mixed Border

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Self-Sowing

    No