How big does New Zealand hair sedge grow?

About 40 cm × 60 cm after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 30–60 cm × 30–60 cm.

What soil does New Zealand hair sedge grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, sandy, clay.

Is New Zealand hair sedge hardy?

Hardy down to -18 °C (USDA zone 6, RHS H6). In the colder parts of the country (Banská Bystrica Region, Prešov Region, Žilina Region) it may not survive winter without protection.

When does New Zealand hair sedge flower?

Flowering: June–August, green.

How much water does New Zealand hair sedge need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: medium.

How much does New Zealand hair sedge cost?

It sells for roughly €5 to €6 in local shops, depending on size.

New Zealand hair sedge

Carex comans

New Zealand hair sedge (Carex comans) is an ornamental grass that reaches 40 cm × 60 cm after ten years. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -18 °C. Drought tolerance: medium. Sold in local shops from about €5.

Illustration of New Zealand hair 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 fine, hair-like evergreen sedge that forms an arching mop of silvery green or bronze leaves, depending on the form. It looks best in pots, along edges and in gravel, in sun or part shade and evenly moist but freely draining soil. It is short-lived and sensitive to hard winters, so give it a sheltered spot or a container and plant in spring; seedlings around the clump make easy replacements. Shops often sell the similar Carex testacea and Carex buchananii alongside it, which are separate species.

Watch out for

Borderline hardy in Central Europe: reliable to roughly -18 °C, and often lost in hard frost without snow cover or in soil that stays wet in winter. Plant it in a sheltered position with good drainage and mulch the crown, or grow it in a container that you move to a protected place during severe frost. Clumps wear out after a few years; renew them from self-sown seedlings or by division. Do not cut it to the ground in spring: comb out dead leaves or trim back to no less than 10 to 12 cm.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Medium
Size after 10 years: 40 cm × 60 cm
Hardiness: down to -18 °C
Foliage: Evergreen
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D June–August, green

Group	Ornamental grass
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	40 cm × 60 cm
Ultimate size	30–60 cm × 30–60 cm
Hardiness	down to -18 °C (USDA 6, RHS H6)
Soil	Average garden soil, Sandy, Clay
Foliage	Evergreen
Flowering	June–August, green
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Medium
Maintenance	Medium
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no data
Spreading	Medium
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	40 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	no data
Typical price	from about €5

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
10-15 cm	approx. €5
10-20 cm	approx. €6

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

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