Carex elata ‘Aurea’ – Bright, Moisture-Loving Grass for Year-Round Colour

Carex elata ‘Aurea’, also known as Bowles’ Golden Sedge, is a striking, clump-forming ornamental grass that lights up damp or shady parts of the garden with its vibrant, golden-yellow foliage edged with green. Its arching leaves provide texture and colour throughout the year, making it a standout choice for borders, pond edges, and shaded beds.

From late spring to early summer (May to June), it produces slender, dark brown flower spikes that rise above the foliage, adding delicate contrast.

Best positioned in partial shade to full sun, this Carex thrives in moist to wet soil, making it ideal for water gardens, boggy areas, or alongside streams and ponds. It also works beautifully in rain gardens or moisture-retentive containers.

Care tips: Water well in dry weather, especially during the growing season. It prefers consistently moist soil and benefits from mulching in spring to retain moisture.

Feed in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertiliser to encourage lush growth.

Prune by cutting back tired or damaged foliage to ground level in late winter or early spring to make way for fresh new growth.

Carex ‘Aurea’ is a brilliant, easy-care choice for adding lasting colour and texture to damp garden spaces.