Leatherleaf sedge is a low-maintenance, cool-season herbaceous perennial in the sedge family (Cyperaceae) native to New Zealand. The specific epithet commemorates New Zealand botanist John Buchanan (1819–1898). 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. It is resistant to browsing by deer. With its coppery bronze, fine-textured leaves that curl at the tops, it slowly grows in arching clumpings to 2 feet tall and wide. It has 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. More information on Carex .
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.