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Overview
Carex testacea is the orange New Zealand sedge (copper sedge), growing 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) tall and wide. Fine-textured arching evergreen foliage — olive-green at the base transitioning to orange-copper at the leaf tips. The orange coloration intensifies in full sun and cold weather; shade produces greener foliage with reduced orange. The species name 'testacea' means 'brick-colored.' A sedge in the family Cyperaceae, not a true grass (Poaceae) — triangular stems. Brown inconspicuous spikelets in late spring. Native to New Zealand, growing on open coastal slopes and grasslands. One of several New Zealand Carex species with bronze-to-orange foliage — C. buchananii (leatherleaf sedge) has a more upright habit and fully bronze leaves; C. flagellifera (weeping brown sedge) has a more weeping form. Drought-tolerant once established — adapted to the dry-summer conditions of New Zealand coastal grasslands. Damaged below 15°F (−9°C) — suited to zones 7–10; in zone 7, mulch the crown in winter. The orange foliage color contrasts with blue-foliaged plants (Festuca glauca, Hosta 'Halcyon'). Comb out dead foliage in spring — do not shear to the ground. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant. Full sun for the most vivid orange. Zones 7–10. Growth rate is moderate.
Native Range
Native to New Zealand, growing on open coastal slopes, grasslands, and scrub margins.Suggested Uses
Grown in borders, rock gardens, and containers in zones 7–10. The orange foliage contrasts with blue and silver companions. Drought-tolerant. Full sun for color. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1'6" - 2'
Width/Spread1'6" - 2'
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Late spring (May–June) — inconspicuous brown spikelets. The orange-copper evergreen foliage — not the flowers — is the year-round feature. The orange intensifies in full sun and cold weather.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Brown, inconspicuous spikeletsFoliage Description
Olive-green base transitioning to orange-copper at the tips; the orange intensifies in sun and cold weather; fine-textured, archingGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 5-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Full sun for vivid orange (shade reduces color). Drought-tolerant once established. Damaged below 15°F (−9°C) — mulch crown in zone 7. A sedge, not a grass. Comb out dead foliage in spring — do not shear to the ground. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant. Zones 7–10.Pruning
Comb out dead and brown foliage in early spring with gloved fingers. Do not shear or cut to the ground — the evergreen foliage is the year-round feature. Divide congested clumps every 3–4 years in spring.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early spring
Maintenance Level
very lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons