Red Hook Grass

Botanical name: Carex punicea
Synonyms: Uncinia rubra, Uncinia rubra var. fallax
Common name(s): Red hook grass, Red bastard grass, Frost flat hook grass

About:
A striking native sedge distinguished by its rich dark red to wine-red foliage and wiry upright stems. Formerly classified as Uncinia rubra, this species is one of New Zealand’s most colourful sedges and is highly valued as an ornamental plant for native gardens and alpine-style plantings.

Natural habitat:
Frost flats, bogs, mires, tussock grasslands, subalpine scrub and alpine environments. In southern regions it may occur down to coastal habitats.

Growing environment:
Prefers moist soil and partial shade but adapts to a wide range of conditions once established. Tolerates frost and cool climates and performs well in moist garden settings.

Endemic distribution:
Endemic to New Zealand. Found from the central North Island southwards through the South Island and Stewart Island/Rakiura, particularly east of the main divide.

Height:
150–350 mm tall

Width:
Forms small clumps and slowly spreading colonies.

Flowering:
October – November

Fruiting:
November – June

Uses:

• Native garden planting
• Alpine and rock gardens
• Wetland margins
• Frost garden planting
• Colour contrast planting
• Container growing
• Restoration planting

Appearance:

Growth habit:
Weakly tufted or shortly rhizomatous sedge with slender upright stems and a graceful open habit.

Leaves:
Dark red, wine-red or occasionally reddish-green, narrow and rigid with slightly rough margins. Leaves are usually shorter than the flowering stems.

Flowers:
Produces slender reddish flower spikes with widely spaced flowers along the stem.

Fruit:
Forms narrow yellow-green utricles that mature to yellow-brown and contain the characteristic hooked seed structure typical of former Uncinia species.

Ecology:
A characteristic species of frost-prone grasslands, bogs and alpine environments. Its distinctive red foliage may help protect the plant from intense ultraviolet radiation and cold conditions in exposed habitats.

Associated habitats:
Frost flats, alpine grasslands, tussocklands, bogs, mires, subalpine scrub and open mountain wetlands.

How to grow:
Grow in moist, free-draining soil in partial shade or full sun in cooler climates. Keep well-watered during establishment. Plants may take time to settle after planting but become hardy and resilient once established.

Propagation:
Readily propagated from fresh seed or by division of established clumps.

Cultural use:
Part of New Zealand’s distinctive alpine and subalpine flora and representative of the former Uncinia group, commonly known as hook grasses.

Garden value:
One of New Zealand’s most attractive native sedges, prized for its rich red foliage and year-round colour. Excellent for adding contrast and texture to native gardens, alpine plantings, wetland edges and container displays.