Carex albula (syn. Carex comans) – Carex Frosted Curls
A fast growing tuft forming grass like plant, Carex Frosted Curls is used as a landscaping.
The foliage is very fine with a natural drooping or curling habit. It is the silvery green foliage that is the main attraction, small flowers in summer are insignificant.
Suited for use on banks to stabilise soil in difficult areas, very attractive in clumps in a rich garden and also suited to growing near the margins of ponds.
Although this is a low growing plant, it is not suitable for use in areas or foot traffic.
Care
Once established this is very low care plant. It grows well in a range of soil types including dryish soils.
It is not a grass that requires mowing or pruning and it requires little to no fertiliser in good soils. In poorer soils, a general purpose slow release fertiliser in spring will be beneficial.
If you wish to improve the look of older clumps, instead of pruning, you can tidy up the older dead tufts by using a rake to gently pull them away from the tuft.
Propagation
Easy by dividing established clumps is early spring. In good conditions this is a plant that will set seed, propagation from seed is possible.
Summary Information
- Botanical Name – Carex albula, syn. Carex comans
- Common Names – Carex Frosted Curls, New Zealand Hair Grass
- Climate – Warm temperate climates to Cool Temperate.
- Soil Humus – Tolerates wet soils and this little sedge also tolerates dry conditions better than most.
- Position – Part shade, to full sun with some shelter from strong winds.
- Frost tolerant – Light frosts only
- Height – To 60cm
- Spread – To 30-60cm as a tuft forming plant
- Foliage – Mid pale to silvery green, fine with a dropping or curling habit.
- Flowers – Small pale yellow.
- Flowering period – Spring to summer.
- Growth Rate – Medium to fast.
- Frost tolerance – Very light frosts only, better in frost free zones.
Carex Frosted Curls is available for sale from the following nurseries
470 Monbulk-Silvan Road Monbulk VIC 3793
"Guaranteed mail order flowering bulbs, perennials, roses, trees, landscaping plants, garden accessories and community fundraising Austra lia-wide."
www.gardenexpress.com.au