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Features
Light coloured, arching, narrow, evergreen, gold/green streaked foliage and taller, brown tufted flower spikes edged in white.
What to use it for
Great in city/courtyard gardens or in containers. Around a pond or water feature it would add an ‘authentic’ reed-like look without requiring the very boggy conditions that many other marginal plants need. It would also add extra interest to a mixed border and informal planting schemes.
How to look after it
Pruning is required after flowering and to remove any dead foliage in the winter – both are done to keep the plant looking tidy. Other than that, this plant is pretty self sufficient.
How to prune it
Cut flowered stems down to the ground after flowering. Cut any dead foliage down to the ground in late winter.
How to propagate it
The easiest way to obtain more carex plants is to divide clumps in spring. This also helps to keep the original plant healthy and vigorous.
You can also sow the seeds in autumn at 15˚C, although they may not grow true to the original plant.
Common problems
Generally problem free, although aphids can congregate at stem bases to feed.
Other useful information
Holds the ‘Award of Garden Merit‘ from the Royal Horticultural Society.
Many of the alternative names for this cultivar mention ‘Bowles’ – this is named after Edward Augustus Bowles (“Gussie” to his friends), a botanist and author of the early 20th century.
