Curly Top Sedge Carex buchananii

Leatherleafsedge is a low maintenance cool season grass in the Cyperaceae (sedge) family native to New Zealand. The name Carex is Latin for "cutter" in reference to the sharp triangular stem edges found on most members of this genus. With its coppery bronze fine textured leaves that curl at the tops, it slowly grows in arching clumpings to 2 feet tall and wide.

Plant in full sun though it will tolerate partial shade.  Soils should be organically rich, moist, and well-draining, as it will not tolerate overly wet soils, especially in the winter.  Mulch the soil to keep moisture in and regulate the temperature.  Prune to about 1/3 height in the late spring to rejuvenate and remove dead leaves in the summer, depending on winter temperatures this plant may be an annual, or it may regrow in the spring.  Propagate leatherleaf sedge by division in early spring or by seed.  This sedge self seeds easily, though it can be slow to grow after transplanting, and it is resistant to browsing by deer.

With its showy colorful leaves that have excellent fall color and winter interest, this sedge provides contrast to any green leaved plant in the landscape. Use it as an accent plant in a rain garden, or mass plant it in the front of a border or along a walkway.  It looks equally handsome peaking out between rocks, dotted in a meadow planting, or used for its light hair like texture in any large container planting.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Aphids are occasional pests.  This plant is relatively disease free.  It can be somewhat short lived.