Botanical name:

Carex punicea (Uncinia rubra)

Common name(s):

Red Hook Grass, red bastard grass, frost flat hook grass

About:

An unusual sedge, noted for its dense clumps of short, arching red foliage, makes a striking addition to gardens. The vivid color is most prominent on new growth in late spring, providing a captivating visual interest. While the growth rate is not particularly fast, this plant flourishes when placed in groups, creating an attractive leafy ground cover at the front of sunny borders. It is versatile and can thrive in a variety of conditions, proving to be hardy and easy to care for. This sedge is a wonderful choice for those looking to enhance their outdoor spaces with unique foliage.

Natural habitat:

Montane to alpine (coastal in southern part of range). In frost-flats, short and tall tussock grassland, grey and subalpine scrub, bogs and mires. In the North Island it has been very rarely collected from cloud forest.

Growing environment:

Frost, Sun, Drought & Wind tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s North, South and Stewart Islands. From about Mt Pirongia and Te Urewera National Park South, though mainly found within the Central Volcanic Plateau. In the South Island present in Nelson then east of the main divide.

Height: 30cm

Flowering:

October – November

Fruiting:

November - June

Uses:

Pioneer Plantings & Container friendly

How to grow:

Easily grown from fresh seed and by division of established plants - though these may take a while to settle. Prefers moist soil in a a semi-shaded site. However, once established will tolerate a wide range of conditions A very attractive species well worth cultivating. A red form of Carex uncinata is often sold erroneously labelled as this species.

** Seed germinates without pre treatment. Sow seed direct & keep moist until germination is complete.