Carex testacea ‘Prairie Fire’

Carex testacea ‘Prairie Fire’

One of the “tried and true” perennials that we have grown through the years, Carex testacea ‘Prairie Fire’ has all of the characteristics of a grass, but is actually a sedge. Originally from New Zealand, it is been in the American nursery market for years and performs very well in our Mediterranean climate. Its fine-textured foliage changes with the seasons, from olive-green to bronze, with orange at the tips. Depending on the sun exposure, the foliage will stay greener in the shade and a shimmering orange in the full sun.

‘Prairie Fire’ is low-growing and has a semi-arching habit, and grows 24-28” tall x 18-24” wide. It is more cold-tolerant than other Carex, and the Sunset Western Climate Zones are 4-9, 14-24. Provide low to moderate irrigation along the coast and regular irrigation in hot inland regions. This is a fantastic perennial sedge that pairs nicely with Salvia ‘Marine Blue’ and Calylophus drummondianus.

We are currently growing Carex testacea ‘Prairie Fire’ in one gallon containers. Visit our website www.clearwatercolor.com to see photos of these and many other plants we are growing.