How big does Japanese sedge grow?

About 45 cm × 45 cm after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 25–45 cm × 30–45 cm.

Is Japanese sedge hardy?

Hardy down to -29 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

How much water does Japanese sedge need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: low.

How much does Japanese sedge cost?

It sells for roughly €4.20 to €13 in local shops, depending on size.

Japanese sedge

Carex oshimensis

Japanese sedge (Carex oshimensis) is an ornamental grass that reaches 45 cm × 45 cm after ten years. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -29 °C. Drought tolerance: low. Sold in local shops from about €4.20.

Illustration of Japanese sedge — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A low evergreen sedge with arching leaves, sold almost only in yellow or cream striped forms. It suits the edge of a part-shaded bed, the ground under trees and containers, and keeps its colour through winter. It wants evenly moist soil and copes badly with drying out, so plant it in sun only where you can water it.

Watch out for

In the hot, dry summers of Central Europe the leaf tips brown in full sun and drying soil, so give it part shade and watering. In hard winters without snow cover the foliage can scorch: do not cut it to the ground in spring, just comb out the dead leaves. Aphids are an occasional nuisance.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 45 cm × 45 cm
Hardiness: down to -29 °C
Foliage: Evergreen
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D May–June

Group	Ornamental grass
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	45 cm × 45 cm
Ultimate size	25–45 cm × 30–45 cm
Hardiness	down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic
Foliage	Evergreen
Flowering	May–June
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Low
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	35 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	no data
Typical price	from about €4.20

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
size not stated	approx. €4.20 – €13

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 13, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Ground cover plants Evergreen plants Plants for containers Ornamental grasses

Compare with similar plants

Japanese sedge vs Morrow’s sedge