Pendulous sedge (Carex pendula). Evergreen for winter interest and a food source for moth caterpillars.

Pendulous sedge (Carex pendula)

Price range: £10.00 through £35.00

Pendulous Sedge (Carex pendula) is a UK native with elegant, drooping flower spikes that adds charm to damp gardens and pond edges. Its evergreen foliage offers vital winter shelter for insects, and it supports moth caterpillars.

Thrives in clay soils and boggy areas, but can spread readily – perfect for wildlife-friendly planting!

Size

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SKU: N/A Categories: Damp/Bog Gardens, Garden, Garden Plants, Marginal, Pond Plants Tags: Bog Garden, Evergreen, Full Sun, Garden Plant, Moth and Butterfly, Native, Part-Shade

Pendulous Sedge (Carex pendula) is a graceful UK native plant that brings movement and wildlife value to damp gardens, woodland edges, and pond margins. Known for its elegant, nodding flower spikes that sway in the breeze from May to July, this evergreen perennial thrives in heavy clay soils and boggy areas, making it a great choice for challenging spots.

As an ancient woodland indicator, its presence suggests a long-established, ecologically rich habitat – perfect for nature lovers!

The dense foliage provides essential winter shelter for insects, while its leaves are a food source for the caterpillars of the Twin-barred Dwarf moth.

Be aware that it self-seeds freely, so a single plant can quickly form a lush clump – ideal for naturalistic planting, though it may need managing in small ponds.

Details

Native: Yes
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Depth: 0 – 10cm
Height max: 180cm
Spread max: 100cm
Evergreen: Yes
Other: Food source for the caterpillars of the Twin-barred Dwarf moth

Care Instructions

Pendulous Sedge is easy to grow in damp soil, clay, or boggy areas – just cut back dead foliage as needed.

Trimming spent flower heads encourages fresh blooms, but be mindful of its self-seeding habit, especially near small ponds.

Repotting Instructions

Can also be planted in soil – do not allow to dry out in warm weather.

9cm marginal plants require potting into a mesh basket. Place in a pond no deeper than 1/3 maximum recommended planting depth to allow the plants to establish.

1ltr marginal plants do not require repotting but will benefit from a bigger basket, there is no need to remove the mesh basket. Place in pond no deeper than 1/2 maximum recommended planting depth to allow the plants to establish. Plants over 60cm height growth will benefit from repotting into a larger mesh basket or should be planted in gravel to prevent them from falling over in a breeze.

3ltr and 5ltr plants do not require repotting; there is no need to remove the mesh basket. Place on the shelf of the pond at the required depth.