Cyperaceae
Leatherleaf Sedge (Carex buchananii)
Carex buchananii
Low maintenance: full sun or part shade, rich, moist, well-drained soil, and no winter waterlogging. Hardy to about -23 °C (USDA zones 6-9). Cut back by a third in late spring and comb out dead leaves.
Every 7 days
Bright indirect
-23° - °C
% - %
Categories
What is Leatherleaf Sedge?
Leatherleaf Sedge (Carex buchananii) is a easy-care plant from the Cyperaceae family. Carex buchananii is an evergreen perennial sedge native to New Zealand. It forms upright, arching clumps 30-60 cm tall with hair-fine leaves that stay coppery bronze all year and curl at the tips. The colour, which can look like dead grass, is natural and contrasts well with green foliage. Summer fl...
Leatherleaf Sedge grows up to 60cm, spread of 60cm, watering every 7 days. It is not suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, Leatherleaf Sedge tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Unlike many popular species, Leatherleaf Sedge is safe to keep around pets.
How to Care for Leatherleaf Sedge?
TLDR: Leatherleaf Sedge needs Bright indirect, watering every 7 days, and temperatures between -23-30°C with 40-70% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Leatherleaf Sedge?
Water about once a week, more in heat and drought, keeping the soil lightly moist. Avoid standing water in winter, which rots the crown.
How Much Light Does Leatherleaf Sedge Need?
Full sun brings out the copper colour; it tolerates part shade.
What Is the Best Soil for Leatherleaf Sedge?
Organically rich, moist, well-drained soil; clay, sand or loam and any pH. Mulch helps hold moisture.
What Pot Should You Use for Leatherleaf Sedge?
Medium to large pot with drainage holes and free-draining mix; looks striking in a contrasting-coloured container.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 365 days
What Is Leatherleaf Sedge and Where Does It Come From?
Carex buchananii is an evergreen perennial sedge native to New Zealand. It forms upright, arching clumps 30-60 cm tall with hair-fine leaves that stay coppery bronze all year and curl at the tips. The colour, which can look like dead grass, is natural and contrasts well with green foliage. Summer flowers are small, brown and inconspicuous: it is grown for its leaves. It suits border edges, rock gardens, mass plantings and large containers.
How to Propagate Leatherleaf Sedge?
Clump division
It can be slow to settle after transplanting; be patient.
- 1 In early spring, lift the clump
- 2 Split it into rooted sections by hand or with a spade
- 3 Replant at the same depth
- 4 Water well and keep moist for the first weeks
Materials needed:
Seeds
It self-seeds in the garden; volunteer seedlings can be moved.
- 1 Sow on the surface of moist seed compost
- 2 Cover very lightly
- 3 Keep moist and in light until germination
- 4 Pot on seedlings once established
Materials needed:
How Big Does Leatherleaf Sedge Grow?
TLDR: Leatherleaf Sedge can reach up to 60cm tall with Slow growth rate.
Max height
60cm
Spread
60cm
Growth rate
Slow
Foliage
Evergreen
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Leatherleaf Sedge?
TLDR: Leatherleaf Sedge is susceptible to 1 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Fun Facts
It is named after John Buchanan, a Scottish botanist who worked in New Zealand in the 1800s.
Deer tend to leave it alone.
Despite its grassy look, it is not a grass but a sedge, a relative of papyrus.
Frequently asked questions
Is my Carex buchananii dead?
How do I prune leatherleaf sedge?
Is it toxic to cats and dogs?
How cold-hardy is it?
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field Maple | Easy | Bright indirect | 14d | ✓ |
| Iberian Houseleek | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Silver Birch | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Common Blanketflower | Easy | Direct sun | 10d | ✓ |
